GOP Senators Fled Texas in 1993 Vote Back

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/...)

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