The Editorial For The Texas D's By the Republican Houston Chronicle

Perhaps the most valid criticism that can be made of the missing Democrats is that their place is in the Capitol, doing the people's business and debating the issues, win, lose or draw. In a more civil era that would be right, but Speaker Craddick throughout the session has discouraged debate, opposition amendments and all the other give and take of politics. On many occasions, he and his lieutenants seemed to regard examination and principled discussion of legislation as irritants.

The out-of-town Democrats say they will not thwart passage of any bill necessary to Texas. Several "Killer D's" from Harris County say they have many supporters, including some Republican House colleagues.

By thwarting DeLay's secretly drawn Washington redistricting plan, the House Democrats are preserving state prerogatives and doing all Texans a favor.