How Can You Spend 9 Months And Not Have A Map?

Now that both chambers have quorums, the Democrats are watching Republicans fight among themselves.

"How can you go nine months and spend $5 million and not have a (GOP) map?" said Rep. Jim Dunnam, D-Waco, of the state's GOP leadership.

Although the West Texas standoff is getting the most attention, there are crucial differences between the House map and a proposal that a Senate committee could take up today.

The House map splits Waco, which is unacceptable to Sen. Kip Averitt, R-McGregor. And northern Central Texas, which includes Williamson County, changes, in part, because the House's Midland district sprawls into the Hill Country.

The House map also pits 14 incumbents against one another, while the proposed Senate map has only one head-to-head contest.

Austin Senate still disagreeing about fines, mail, and parking spaces.

"Let's be reasonable. Let's get on with business. Otherwise, let's get it on."

Although subdued Tuesday, the Senate Democrats, outnumbered 19-12, still do not plan to go quietly. They have promised to use every available tool — including filibusters — to block redistricting.

Still to be resolved are the sanctions levied by the Republicans against the Democrats, including $57,000-per-Democrat fines and loss of privileges, including Capitol parking.