Burnt Orange Report

Redistricting Rumors

By Byron LaMasters

Well, I'll be tuning in at 3:30 to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's press conference. There's a rumor floating around, as the Austin American Statesman reports, that 11 Senators (10 Democrats and Bill Ratliff) have signed a letter stating their intent to block debate of a redistricting bill.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has called a press conference for 3:30 p.m. Monday to respond to rumors that 11 senators have signed a letter saying they will vote to block debate on congressional redistricting.

Rumors swept the Senate floor Monday afternoon that 10 Democrats and Sen. Bill Ratliff, R-Mount Pleasant, are opposed to debating congressional redistricting. Several senators, who asked not to be identified, were the source of the speculation that the primary issue for the special session may be dying — or dead.

"I am going to leave any comment to the lieutenant governor," Ratliff said when asked whether he delivered the letter to Dewhurst.

Ten of the Senate's 12 Democrats signed the letter after a Democratic caucus meeting Monday morning. The only two Democrats who did not sign were Sens. Ken Armbrister, D-Victoria, and Frank Madla, D-San Antonio.

By Senate rules, it takes two thirds of the 31 senators to bring any bill up for debate. Eleven can block the bill.

Ratliff is one of several Republican senators who have voiced opposition to a House map that would produce at least 21 Republican members of congress but would split some local communities to accomplish that goal. Democrats now hold a 17 to 15 edge in the state's congressional delegation.

Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos, D-Austin, said, "I feel secure at this point that there will be 11 — at least."

If 11 or more senators agree to block debate, Dewhurst will face a dilemma. He could have the Senate consider rewriting its rules to allow a simple majority — 16 senators — to bring up the bill for debate. However, that would break a Senate tradition that dates to the 1950s and is considered sacred by many members in both parties.

Catch it live, here.