................”The compromise on the [TX] state Senate map was the first sign of progress in a bitter dispute that began during last year’s legislative session and has gone all the way to the Supreme Court. It came about when groups suing the state reached agreement with Texas Attorney Gen. Greg Abbott that preserves the Fort Worth-based district of Democratic state Sen. Wendy Davis. The Republican-controlled legislature originally drew the map in such a way that Davis would find it almost impossible to be re-elected.
Lawyers slug it out
The state House and congressional maps remain in dispute. Lawyers for both sides spent most of Wednesday morning sparring over whether the panel of three federal judges in San Antonio that is charged with drawing district maps for the 2012 election has the authority to undo the legislature’s decision to split Austin into five congressional districts. Democrats contend that the original map was designed for the sole purpose of defeating longtime U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin.
The federal courts must redraw the three maps created by the legislature, because of two lawsuits that are still unresolved. Because Texas has a history of racial discrimination, either the Justice Department or the federal court in Washington must approve any changes to electoral law. The Justice Department ruled that the maps discriminated against minorities, while a three-judge panel in Washington declined to approve them.”