Texas Democrats Bolt Again

Houston Chronicle ^ | July 28, 2003 | Clay Robison

[wkcoop]

July 28, 2003, 3:08PM

Texas Democrats bolt again By CLAY ROBISON Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

AUSTIN -- An unknown number of Democratic state senators abruptly left the state Capitol this afternoon after learning that Gov. Rick Perry planned to immediately call a second special session on congressional redistricting.

One Democratic senator who asked not to be named, told the Chronicle in a phone interview that senators were apparently on their way out of town.

"I have no idea where we're going. I just know in a little bit we will be out of pocket," the senator said.

He would not say how many senators had left but called it an "adequate" number to break a quorum and keep the Senate from conducting business.

The Senate requires two-thirds, or 21 senators, to be present to conduct business, meaning the absence of 11 senators could break a quorum. There are 12 Democrats in the Senate.

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.

The first session was to end by midnight Tuesday, but the Senate adjourned at 2:30 p.m. and the House was expected to adjourn minutes later.

Dewhurst earlier had told reporters Perry was expected to call a second special session minutes after both houses adjourned.

Of the 12 Democratic senators, the only one to show up for a 2 p.m. session today was Ken Armbrister of Victoria.

In May, more than 50 representatives hid out for several days to block action on congressional redistricting, forcing the governor to call a special session.

[mattdono]

COWARDS

Note the specific color. Emphasized.

[Frank_Discussion]

How about IMPEACH in blazing-hot angry red!!?

[anniegetyourgun]

Bunchacrybabies.

[demlosers]

scattering Rats running from the light.

[mil-vet]

I want these scum to pay for the additional sessions THEY caused!

[Liberal Classic]

The other day I was thinking it would be nice if this happened in Washington D.C. once in a while. ;)

[Bullish]

How about

Jail?

[grobdriver]

Perry had to have anticipated this.
Wonder what the reply will be?

[Frank_Discussion]

That's good, too. What a bunch of whining slacker sorelosers.

[Dane]

Time for the liberal media to set up at a Holiday Inn in OK, LA, or NM.

No doubt the media has known where the Chicken dems II will be today for a week or so.

[MissAmericanPie]

This is a conservative state, and yet dislodging these liberal ticks from Austin and from power is almost impossible.

The Demoncrats have gerrimandered districts for decades. Martin Frost's district takes a torturous route through several cities. Conservative Texans want the gloves off, in Austin and in D.C. We must cast this scum off our backs and out of our lives for good.

[areafiftyone]

I guess Motel 6 will leave the light on for them.

[Xenalyte]

Unspeakable p*ssies ping.

[shamusotoole]

Texans!!! Check your State Constitution!!! There is an emergency clause that permits less than the prescribed quorum to enact legislation. If member insurrection or defection is not an emergency, I don't know what is. These are not kinder, gentler pols. These are traitorous subverters of the legal process.

Get fooled twice, and the "fies" of Texas (and the rest of the country) be upon you. Lead, darn it! Don't follow!

[Frank_Discussion]

An "UPP"?

[weegee]

Wasting Texas tax dollars, again!

[swilhelm73]

Alright Texas law experts - what can the Texas legislature/governor do without a quorum in the legislature? Anything? Impeachment? Supplementary spending? Etc?

Make the Dems pay for running off...

Here's one idea, swear to the Dems that you will not bring up redistricting in yet another session...then pass a law making it a serious felony for state legislators to refuse to come to a session.

Then schedule a a session for redistricting...

[rudypoot]

Just think of this behavior the next time you ask yourself, "What would've happened if there was a democrat in office on 9/11?".