Democrats Surface in Albuquerque

"This is not about Democrats. It's about democracy," said Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, at an Albuquerque news conference held by the dissidents.

Van de Putte, chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, said the dissidents were prepared to remain in Albuquerque for the duration of the new, 30-day session because the redistricting effort threatened minority voting rights.

"When the congressional districts of those Democrats targeted by Republicans are eliminated, over 1.4 million minority Texans will have no advocates because their homes will be drawn into districts in which they will have no voice in choosing their member of Congress," she said.

Gallegos said details of the getaway were arranged by Van de Putte.

He said he didn't know the Democrats' destination until they were airborne. Ten of the senators left from the Capitol and met the 11th, Sen. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen, at a private hangar at the Austin airport. They boarded two chartered planes for the flight to Albuquerque