Texas Democrats bolt again

Houston Chronicle

AUSTIN -- An unknown number of Democratic state senators abruptly left the state Capitol this afternoon 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 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. ---

Ride Don’t Drive It’s Global Cool

Keep it up, Dems, as long as the guv keeps it up.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

God bless their tanned and stubborn hides.

are still around. Thank God. Some one on the Austin PR said that the longer this goes on, the better it is for Democrats.

These are the Barbara Jordon and Jim Wright Texans. These are the heroes we only read about in the great Texas Observer. These people make me proud to have a TEXAS DEMOCRAT sticker on the back window of my Subaru wagon.

but up.

this kind of stuff is happening in the 21st century. Too funny.

wasn't there some sort of legal opinion that said the DPS has no jurisdiction to arrest/detain state lawmakers in such a scenario?

Especially in the Thug-controlled state of Texas.

Go Texas Dems!

DTH

But Perry and the thug kidnapping dps would hunt them down it anyway and then let the chips fall...

but if they are inside the Capitol, then they will be locked
in and counted towards the quorum. But I wouldn't put it past
Little Ricky to sick the Gestapo on the dems anyway.

but it was stated as "may not" it wasn't concrete. Go Boys! Fuck those Nazi, Commie Bastards

Said that he would indeed have them locked up. Not only that, but they will be locked up in the chamber. Between this and the cops being called on the Dems in Congress, it's feeling more and more like a police state.

YEEE HAW(for the texans) Don't let the Nazi facist bastards get you down.

I'm gonna drink a spaten in their honor.:beer:

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

A special session costs the taxpayers of Texas $1.7 million. This is ludicrous! These power-hungry bastards are insane.

the college I go to switched to a four day schedule because of huge cuts in state funds.

What are Texans feeling about this? I imagine the repugs trying to do this in Wyoming and I absolutely believe that most Wyoming repugs would be FURIOUS at them for wasting the time and the money and playing such obvious hardball politics. Surely a lot of conservative, rural repug voters realize that this proposed redistricting plan will totally wipe out their votes. What are people saying, DemoTex? Can DeLay and Perry keep doing this without making the moderate center furious????

On the news this morning, some corpulent repuke said that this is going to hurt the dems becuase every time they "misbehave" it costs the state money it clearly doesn't have. Excuse me? Isn't it Rick the Rat's fault for calling special sessions when it obviously goes contrary to the will of the people??

Whatever you do guys....don't hide in the library. Rep. Bill Thomas might call the cops again. lol

To you DUers in Oklahoma or New Mexico: Take good care of our Texas Democrats!!!

We don't want them to be found this time.

:toast:

I hope Willie sends them a whole case of whiskey this time!!!

The first special session for re-districting didn't work and cost TX taxpayers over a million dollars. Now we have to go through another one???

By the way...the first special session ended at 3pm and the second one was called at 3:30. It's now reported that all but one Democrats are GONE! Thank you killer D's!!!

:thumbsup:

--Peter

i can't believe the GOP is so arrogant to think they can redistrict anytime it suits them.

In TEXAS!!!

junior & Perry are going crazy I bet!

I love it -

The Texas Legislature has reconvened for its second special session, even though it appears that a third of the Senate has fled the Capitol.

After a whirlwind afternoon, House Speaker Tom Craddick read a proclamation from Gov. Rick Perry at 3:15 p.m. calling the Legislature back to deal with the subject of congressional redistricting.
-snip-

Rumors had been circulating this morning that the Senate would sine die and then the doors would be locked, preventing the Democrats from leaving. Rather than take that chance, it appears that the Democratic senators left the Capitol, leaving an insufficient number of senators to conduct business in the second special session. The sole Democrat to show up was Sen. Ken Ambrister, D-Victoria.
-snip-

http://www.statesman.com/legislature/content/coxnet/texas/legislature/0703/0728redist_update.html

Ok, folks. It's time to start calling Armbrister's office again.

"I would lead the exodus if they tried to violate the 21-vote rule," said state Sen. Ken Armbrister of Victoria, a conservative Democrat who has not ruled out supporting a redistricting effort. "I think that's one tradition that we don't relinquish for any reason."

http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/6311080.htm

The article in the orig post on this thread says he said if he left, he wouldn't get a voice. He won't get one if he stays! -Staying would only give the repubs their voice.

It makes a lot of sense for the TX dems to leave one of their number behind, as long as enough leave to break a quorum.

There's a lot of mischief that can be done in a legislative body if there is "unanimous consent". Leaving one dem in the chamber prevents that.

This is much the same reason that in the US House Ways&Means, one dem was in the committee (and was raising hell at repug tactics) while the others were caucusing in the library when the cops were called.

I wish we could sway Senator Ambrister, lastliberal, but he's truly a DINO. I actually wish he would just go ahead and switch parties. He's an embarrassment to us anyway. This isn't the only issue he's screwed us on.

I suggest that a more effective use of your time is to target the Governor and Lt. Gov and tell them to stop wasting our money.

Governor Rick Perry- R (512) 463-2000
Lt. Governor David Dewhurst- R (512) 463-0001

Go Killer D's Go!!

Sonia

(Sung to the first few notes of the Dragnet theme)

Dummmmmmb Dumb Dumb Dumb

Hope they get some frequent flyer miles out of this....

What is really great about this is that the Republicans are going to show the moderates out there who are sitting on the fence what their true colors are in this situation: "You don't agree with us? Tough shit, take your medicine and like it."

It is well known here that the Austin Hair Helmet takes the short bus to the Capitol, exactly like his predecessor; what is really funny about the Monkeys we call Republicans here in Texas is that they have no autonomy of their own! They lay around like a pack of obedient dogs waiting for their Master in Washington, Tom DeLay, to give them their marching orders.

Now we will be treated to yet another round of watching the Monkeys screeching and having their little shit fight over how bad the Democrats are and how this isn't fair. Actually, Monkeys, what isn't fair is that my beautiful state is run by a gang of knuckle-dragging, feces-flinging, science-hating morons who take orders from D.C.

:7

:7

That would really drive DeLay nuts.

This from the Austin American-Statesman.

http://www.statesman.com/legislature/content/coxnet/texas/legislature/0703/0728redist_update.html

Oops:eyes:

...http://www.590klbj.com/ and listen online.

Great to get a local Texas talk station.

...will be talking about it the most. It is on from three to six local time. From six to seven it starts to become Sports Talk but that varies. They have an 800 number now also if you want to call.

This is pretty sad...these guys have to leave their families
and other commitments to avoid injustice being
rammed through by DeLay and Perry.

Gov. Bush would have given them the chair.

It's times like this that I fully get Texas Bravery. Good for the Texas Dems!

Filiroadster

ROFLMAO...way to go Texas Dems!

Later,
JM

to be a Texas DEMOCRAT....:-)

I am so proud AGAIN!!!

:toast: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Apparently the TX Atty General has issued an opinion that the Texas Democrats are subject to arrest. I'm not sure how this squares with the judge's opinion that says the TX DPS does not have the authority to do so. Regardless, rumor--as reported on both the Austin and Dallas local news--is that the gang is headed to Albuquerque, New Mexico. If so, you New Mexico DU'ers should prepare to welcome these Texas heroes.

nt

Austin to the NM border would be about 5-6 hours by car, although I suppose they could have taken a small plane (if Homeland Security does not order it shot down).

Problem is, here in Texas the Republicans run the whole show and can deploy all the resources of the state government to fulfull their partisan objectives.

is much further than 5-6 hours by car.

nt

"Art. 24.11. <471> <535> <523> Requisites of an "Attachment"

An "attachment" is a writ issued by a clerk of a court under seal, or by any magistrate, or by the foreman of a grand jury, in any criminal action or proceeding authorized by law, commanding some peace officer to take the body of a witness and bring him before such court, magistrate or grand jury on a day named, or forthwith, to testify in behalf of the State or of the defendant, as the case may be. It shall be dated and signed officially by the officer issuing it.

Acts 1965, 59th Leg., p. 317, ch. 722, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1966."

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/cp/cp0002400.html#cp012.24.11.

Both Speaker Craddock & Lt. Governor Dewhurst are lawful magistrates & therefore if either issues out a subpeona with Attachment, the legislators may be detained for presentment before the legislature.

Of course, New Mexico doesn't have to recognize the subpeona any more than did Oklahoma.

Those god damn terrorists...er, "democrats" I meant, are at it again!

Found this on the FR - the logo was that every time King was talking, Dems were flapping the puppets mouths:

Source:http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/954046/posts

Just for the pleasure of hanging out with these people!
I was born in Tx , but I don't remember it. Is there any place that isn't unGodly hot and humid?

It's official.

If you have a link, please post it. I could see Perry calling out the National Guard to hunt them down as long as they are in Texas.

Bill Richardson will protect them in New Mexico.

out of both Dallas and Austin. I'm watching KEYE out of Austin and WFAA out of Dallas.

I am watching them live on Texas cable news.

Liza has crossed the ice.

n/t

But then he'd have to pay Pedro for missing the ball game, and the team would forfeit.

Meanwhile, the peace officers would be shaking their heads, saying "We're in the book. That ASS!"

They've got balls!! GOOOOOOOOO KILLER DEMS!!!

eom

...for both sexes.

And I bet NM Attorney General Patricia Madrid is all too happy to make sure her neighbors are well taken care of!!!!!

Or "Smarts AND Looks". Anyway, a teriffic Attorney General.

Rest assured, our Attorney General won't be bothering you.

C'mon up to Santa Fe and enjoy a couple sunsets....

They interviewed some stupid repuke Senator who said he felt like he was in the 3rd grade where enough people didn't show up for class and he had to have a pass to get out our chambers. He also said that redistricting takes place every 10 years and the minority party needs to just take it. A true enough statement but WE just had redisticting before the last elcetion. My rep who usally wins by a landslide was hard pressed to win. He is on their hit list again and they want him out. Even many repukes like him and are livid about this unwanted reconfiguration.

good job standing up to the pukes and perry.Hopefully perry will get it through his thick head that redistricting was done not too long ago in the last election.Enjoy your stay in new mexico.your the best

:bounce: The Republicans just keep pushin the envelope
cause they are Desperate to win the House & the Senate & California

I can see them Lock the Democrats up!
If this happens Perry has truly stepped over the line!

:bounce:

Willie will send them this time?? You go Texas Dems.....someone has to have a spine......YEEEEEEHAW! :hippie: :bounce: :toast:

This is so awesome!!! May their actions inspire others. We will not roll over and play dead!

that said that law enforcement cannot be used by the speaker/ lt. gov. in a non-law enforcement capacity. So the Dems couldn't take the chance of staying in Texas because the ag might find some repuke judge to overrule the first judge. Remember hos the repukes like to find judges that overrule state judges--remember Florida. So they had to leave the state.
The NM newspapers have this

<http://www.abqjournal.com/news/aptexasdems07-28-03.htm>

Try this one on Tuesday; <http://www.abqtrib.com/>
Try the McAllen Monitor tomorrow as well

<http://www.e-thepeople.org/petition/7225/view>

Most Texans are too damn dumb to kick Perry, prehaps the stupidest man to be governor of Texas, out of office. I was amazed they voted the moron in. I seriouly doubt he can take a shit without instructions.

:hurts:

YOWEEE!!! WOO HOO!!! (Fires rubber band pistol in the air). I had just turned on the 5:00 Austin news and there was Perry, blanch faced, obviously quite pissed! MADE MY DAY! Then Dewhurst, trying to lecture about responsibility.
These Mepublicans are shameless. If the recall attempt of Davis and this redistricting B.S. don't turn off a lot of voters, will anything? BTW, have the Dems ever done redistricting when they were in power?

Can we contact them?

snip>
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, welcomed the Texas lawmakers.

"New Mexico has a long history of helping people on the run -- and should these legislators decide to stay awhile, I will be proud to have them," Richardson said.

http://www.nola.com/newsflash/national/index.ssf?/newsflash/get_story.ssf?/cgi-free/getstory_ssf.cgi?a0752_BC_TexasRedistricting&&news&newsflash-national

That's really cool. He's going to chair the national convention. Pretty unconventional, huh?

They did great!! So they are already safely in NM and are being guarded by the New Mexico police someone said in the conference. They flew there in two private planes owned by people from the Valley--arranged by my senator Juan Chuy Hinojosa. This is great!!! Look for repuke temper tantrums tomorrow!!

In no particular order: Please e-mail and call or write to support your senator. If none of them is yours, then adopt one to contact!

1.Senator John Whitmire represents the 15th Senatorial District comprised of north Houston and north Harris County. He was first elected to the Texas Senate in 1982 after serving 10 years in the Texas House of Representatives. With over 20 years of service in the Texas Senate, Senator Whitmire ranks first in seniority and serves as the "Dean of the Texas Senate.? <http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist15/dist15.htm>

2.Gonzalo Barrientos represents Senatorial District 14, which for the past 10 years included most of Travis County and part of Hays County. Austin.
<http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist14/dist14.htm>

3.Rodney Ellis has served 13 years as a Texas State Senator from Houston.
<http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist13/dist13.htm>

4. Mario V. Gallegos, Jr. was elected to the Texas State Senate in 1994; he is the first Hispanic Senator elected to represent Harris County. Houston
<http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist6/dist6.htm>

5. Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa served his South Texas constituents for 16 years in the House of Representatives and was elected to the Senate in 2002 to represent District 20. He represents McAllen and Corpus Christi.
<http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist20/dist20.htm>

6. Eddie Lucio, Jr., a Brownsville native, is one of ten children.
<http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist27/dist27.htm>

7. Senator Frank Madla has given the state of Texas 20 years of service as a member of the Texas House of Representatives where he was an outspoken advocate for health care and education issues. He is now in his third term as a senator.from San Antonio.
<http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist19/dist19.htm>

8. Senator Leticia Van de Putte, a pharmacist for more than 20 years, represents a large portion of San Antonio and Bexar County <http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist26/dist26.htm>

9. A fifth-generation El Pasoan whose roots in his community trace back to 1847, Senator Eliot Shapleigh represents Senate District 29, which includes most of El Paso County
<http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members/dist29/dist29.htm>

10. Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) represents the 21st Senatorial District from Laredo. <http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist21/dist21.htm>

11. Royce West was first elected to represent the 23rd Senatorial District in November of 1992 from Dallas.
<http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/members/dist23/dist23.htm>

I sent a "thank you for having a spine" email to each one!

Thanks for the links; you made it easy to contact these heroes.

I sent all of them e-mails and I'll follow up with letters. Let's not forget that our campaigns to get Lucio and Madla on board really worked. I was at a redistricting hearing in the Senate where Lucio was a member, and he brought out three 4 inch ring binders that he said were full of communications he received in his office. There were thousands of letters from everywhere across the state. So he said he was going to follow the will of the people which opposed redistricting. Madla must have gotten an equal number or more.

The one good thing that has come out of this stupid waste of money is how much better we have gotten at working the system. I had never written any other State Senator besides my own (he's a repuke unfortunately) so now I feel I know all of these wonderful people. If they're willing to fight for me, I'm going to fight for them.

And thanks to Governor Richardson for welcoming them. Treat them right Governor, we need these fine public servants back.

Go Killer D's Go!!

Sonia

IMHO, this has been a disastrous decision for the repubs. They have energized the base, outraged people who are normally fence-sitters, and even pissed off a few repubs in the areas that would get screwed. You are correct- we are now working the system, which is something the Texas Dem party has been awful at. But now, not only do my own state rep and senator know my name (and their staff almost GROAN everytime I call), but thousands of people are now very well known by their elected officials.

We definitely need to write or call their offices to let them know how happy we are. And we need to call Armbrsiter and the other repubs to let them know how unhappy we are too! Like you, I have a repub state senator (in fact one who proposed a new map recently). I've called his office 4 times in the last week and a half, and they'll get another call today!

Go Texas Dems! :bounce:

where in NM the Senators are staying? I know their planes landed in Albuquerque, but I'm interested in finding the name of a hotel or lodge. I'd like to send a basket of goodies.

Can't stop laughing....this is great!

This is awesome guys!!!

Your welcome to my home up North here!!!

You are my heros now!!!

Just keep fighting .......tooth and nail!!!!

Sent then all e-mails congratulating them on standing up to these Mepublican bullies! I will be sending them
flowers as soon as I'm off the computer.

Libtexan
"I would never belong to any club that would have me as a memeber."
Groucho

Pay attention, dems in DC!!

:toast:

I just read in this morning's Austin American-Statesman that the Texas Senators are staying at the Marriott Pyramid North in Albuquerque. Send them a card of congratulations or a boquet of flowers!

Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and give him a piece of your mind

http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/LtGov/Contact.htm

as well as Gov. Rick Perry-

http://www.governor.state.tx.us/contact