Texas Lt. Gov. Wants to Send Dem Senators Back Home (w/ legal option?)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)

The lieutenant governor of Texas warned Democratic senators in exile in New Mexico that he might use legal action to force their return to face a contentious redistricting issue.

"I'm not going to discuss our legal options. But it's very, very clear that there are a number of things we can do to compel the attendance of the absent members," Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, a Republican, told reporters in Austin, Texas.

Eleven Democratic state senators fled to New Mexico last week to protest Republicans' congressional redistricting plans and resolved to stand firm in the battle. Their absence means the Senate is without a quorum and unable to vote on the issue.

In Albuquerque, Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, who chairs the Senate Democratic Caucus (search), said she could not comment on Dewhurst's reference to legal action.

"We certainly worked with him during the regular session," she said, "but another persona seems to be emerging." ---

This is a state matter. I don't see the Federal courts getting involved. Also NM is not to cooperate.

... or in case of their being "incapacitated" or "unable to fulfill the duties of office"?

i wouldn't put it past them.

and they can't do jack-shit without a quorum, per the Texas constitution.

Suppose that he can't compel them to return - but he gets the courts to rule that their presence is not necessary. Or that they can be replaced (temporarily?) by the gov/lt.gov/courts.

Nah, that couldn't happen - could it? :tinfoilhat:

DHS will be involved again....

the thought that they could change the law so they could function without the other party is scary indeed. if this happens, lets hope that it doesnt become a new trend

the Texas constitution explicitly says the Senate must have a 2/3 quorum to conduct business. It's clear enough that even the GOP can understand.

I hope it doesnt come down to that.

The Republicans have gone A.W.O.L. in Texas, too, in 1993!

GOP Senators Fled Texas in 1993 Vote Back


Republican lawmakers have had a rhetorical field day this year as Democrats, first in the House and then in the Senate, fled to other states in order to stymie GOP redistricting plans.

But the Democrats aren't the only ones to employ the tactic: Ten years ago, it was Republicans who walked out of the Texas Senate chamber to avoid a vote on a racially tinged judicial redistricting resolution.

"They clearly have a double standard," said Democratic Sen. Rodney Ellis, who is one of 11 Senate Democrats who entered their second week Monday holed up in a New Mexico hotel.

In 1993, Democrats were the powerhouse in Texas politics and were set on adopting a resolution as part of a settlement that would have ended at-large elections for state judges in a handful of Texas counties.

The proposal would have required 140 judges to run for election in sub-districts within affected counties. Republicans favored a system in which the governor appoints judges, who are then confirmed by the Senate. (snip/...)

http://www.620ktar.com/news/article.aspx?article_id=191892&cc=012345

Sounds like conspicuous double standards.

This is so typical of these knuckle-dragging goons. Force the Dems to do your will, no matter the cost, especially to democracy. I have never seen a bunch so intent upon its destruction.

We live in interesting times, don't we?

Please do me a favor and tell me the next time your gonna put a FOX News report as a post.

I can't quite take FOX - MSNBC - CNN as capable of being relied on as dependable news.

Pretty Pleeese?

Sounds like a very GOP thing to do.

It's very clear that there's jack shit he can do. Spin away little boy.

"Your threats today to the Texas 11 are as empty as your suit."