Dewhurst may Suspend Senate Rule to Keep Redistricting Alive

Congressional redistricting efforts appeared all but dead in the Texas Senate on Monday, but Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst vowed to put it on life support.

"When we started this process, I met with 21 senators, who told me, if a serious map came out of committee, they'd vote for it," Dewhurst said. "It's my intent to continue with this process."

Ratliff and several other senators have been outspoken about their opposition to the House's plan passed last week. House Republicans said their map could give the GOP as many as 21 of the state's 32 congressional seats. Democrats now have a 17-15 edge in the delegation.

"The maps produced so far have indicated a total lack of concern for the communities of interest in rural Texas," he said.

Ratliff also implored Dewhurst not to change the two-third rule.

"The vast majority (of senators) would not be pleased at all to see that tradition violated," he said.

A major sticking point is the redrawing of West Texas districts. Republican House Speaker Tom Craddick of Midland wants a congressional district anchored in his hometown. That means either Lubbock or Abilene would have to give up its congressional seat. Both communities, along with San Angelo, are opposed to changing existing district boundaries.