Yep; it's like deja vu all over again, only this time it's Texas' Democratic Senators that have skipped out of Austin. Given the Perrymandering that is being force fed to them, I applaud their willingness to take desperate measures. This time, I would wager that most Texans might look at this tactic in a more favorable light.
AUSTIN -- Eleven of 12 Democratic state senators abruptly left the state Capitol this afternoon and headed for Albuquerque after learning that Gov. Rick Perry was about to call a second special session on congressional redistricting.
The second special session officially began at 3:15 p.m. with congressional redistricting as the only issue in the governor's proclamation. Neither the House nor the Senate had a quorum.
One Democratic senator who asked not to be named told the Chronicle that 11 Democrats were flying this afternoon to Albuquerque, N.M.
The Senate requires two-thirds, or 21 senators, to be present to conduct business, meaning the absence of 11 senators breaks a quorum. The senator said the action was precipitated by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's decision to bypass a traditional Senate rule that requires a two-thirds vote to debate any bill.
That rule, which has been in effect during the current special session, has so far blocked redistricting in the Senate.
The senator said the Democrats fled because they feared Perry would immediately call a second special session and Dewhurst would lock down the Senate chambers and prevent members from leaving.
Yes, I'm as tired of this as anyone, but the sad reality is that Democrats would not have taken this step if other options were available. Republicans are determined to pass redistricting in some form, regardless of the widespread public sentiment AGAINST it. All that seems to matter to Republicans is crafting their own majority, no matter the cost.
It will be interesting to see what the next few days hold for the latest special session. I would if Governor Goodhair and Tom DeLay will figure out that, no matter how much they whine and posture, they aren't likely to carry the day? Perhaps then we can get on to the real business of governing Texas. This circus has continued long enough.
