From Rep. Roberto Alonzo
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas As most of you know litigation
oral arguments and other court-related matters continue to take center stage as the Texas Redistricting continues. Friday January 20 the U.S. Supreme Court sent back the case filed by Texas Attorney Greg Abbott challenging the interim maps drawn by the 3-judge panel of the Federal District Court for the Western District of Texas in San Antonio. The Supreme Court by a unanimous decision said that the court must consider and look more closely at the Legislature-approved maps approved by the Legislature for the Texas House Senate and Congressional Seats as a starting point when considering re-drawing any additional maps.
A lawsuit was filed in federal court by minorities who challenged the maps passed by the legislature saying that they did not fairly and constitutionally reflect the states minority population and their opportunity to elect a
candidate of their choice".
For a complete copy of the ruling
click here.
There is a second trial currently going on in a Washington D.C. Federal Court also challenging the legality of Texas house senate and congressional
maps on Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. That trail started on Tuesday Jan 17 2012.
This particular law pertains to getting Justice Department Pre-clearance of redistricting maps. That trial is expected to conclude around the first week of February.
A ruling will follow shortly thereafter.
The primary election date was originally set for March 6 then was changed to April 3.
Due to the ongoing court cases the election could be further delayed.
