Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Candidates Square Off In NPR Debate
Several of the Democratic contenders for President participated in an National Public Radio Debate today. Click here for more details and to hear closing arguments from the debate.From left, Richard Gephardt, Dennis Kucinich, John Kerry, NPR's Neal Conan, Joe Lieberman, Carol Moseley Braun and Howard Dean pose for pictures at the NPR debate in Des Moines, Iowa.
Photo: John Keator, NPR News
Jan. 6, 2004 -- An exit strategy for Iraq. Tax policy for the middle class. Campaign finance reform. Spirituality and faith in public service. Gay marriage. Obesity in America. Snowmobiles.
Those were among the issues confronted -- and in some cases deflected -- by six Democratic candidates for president, who gathered Tuesday in Des Moines, Iowa, for a radio-only debate moderated by NPR's Neal Conan.
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois took part. Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina and the Rev. Al Sharpton of New York chose not to participate.
ABBOTT PREDICTS MORE MINORITIES WILL BE ELECTED UNDER NEW MAP
The following is a copyright story from the Quorum Report.
Skeptical that Supreme Court will grant stay or take case up on appeal
Attorney General Greg Abbott was the state’s face on the Republican victory to redraw the state’s Congressional districts this afternoon.
In a brief press conference in the lobby of the Price Daniel Building late this afternoon, Abbott praised the federal three-judge panel for its fair and thorough consideration of the legal challenges to the map. The panel clearly based its decision upon the map’s compliance with the Voting Rights Act and the Texas Constitution, Abbott said.
"This decision affirms that the map drawn by the Texas Legislature fully protected the interests of minorities while ensuring voting opportunities for all Texans," Abbott said of the 147-page opinion. "I commend the judicial panel for its careful consideration of this matter, its tireless work and its strict construction of the law."
Abbott plays an unusual role in the redistricting battle. While Abbott is clearly a Republican and the Republican-dominated Legislature’s top lawyer, he also is charged with representing the interests of all Texans. That’s a fine line. So while others in the redistricting battle may offer rhetoric laced with passion, Abbott’s statements are often more about the legal values of the redistricting case.
Bottom line: The map meets the requirements of the Voting Rights Act and the Texas Constitution, says Abbott. Abbott was rarely knocked off his "fair and legal" message point during this afternoon’s press conference. Even a question about Judge John Ward’s concerns about the lines for Congressional District 23 did not stop Abbott from returning to his "fair and legal" point to argue that all lines in the map were valid.
The closest Abbott offered to a value judgment on the map was that more minorities would be elected to Congress than ever before under the map. "Then why aren’t minority groups cheering the map?" one reporter asked the Attorney General. Abbott said when the real facts do come forth about the Congressional map, minority voters would recognize the map protected their voting rights.
Abbott also praised the map as the first time in more than a decade that lawmakers had drawn their own map for Congressional representation, rather than relying on the court.
The flurry of press releases from the Democratic delegation was a bit more impassioned. Most Democrats expressed disappointment. Even Republican Congressman Michael Burgess (R-Highland Village) issued his own statement, saying that he welcomed constituents from the redrawn Congressional District 26. That would include most of the African-Americans in South Fort Worth that were in Congressman Martin Frost’s CD 24.
Gerald Hebert, legal counsel to most of the Democratic congressional delegation, issued a statement saying the ruling ‘is so obviously wrong that it cannot stand as a matter of law… We are confident the Supreme Court will do the right thing, ultimately reverse this judgment on the merits, and in the meantime, stay the lower court’s mandate."
Abbott predicts the nation’s highest court will not grant the emergency stay that will be filed by the plaintiffs in the Texas case, stating that a tremendous number of voting right cases are appealed to the US Supreme Court but few are heard. The justices would have to find aspects of the Texas case compelling enough to intervene. That could be unlikely, so close on the heels of the Pennsylvania case on political gerrymandering.
The next step does present a number of scenarios. The Supreme Court could decline to take up the case or agree to intervene in the Texas case, reversing the lower court’s decision. The Supreme Court also could agree to let the current map stand, but hear a particular aspect of the case the justices considered worthy of judicial intervention.
(C) Copyright January 6, 2004 by Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved
Comments-[ comments.]
Skeptical that Supreme Court will grant stay or take case up on appeal
Attorney General Greg Abbott was the state’s face on the Republican victory to redraw the state’s Congressional districts this afternoon.
In a brief press conference in the lobby of the Price Daniel Building late this afternoon, Abbott praised the federal three-judge panel for its fair and thorough consideration of the legal challenges to the map. The panel clearly based its decision upon the map’s compliance with the Voting Rights Act and the Texas Constitution, Abbott said.
"This decision affirms that the map drawn by the Texas Legislature fully protected the interests of minorities while ensuring voting opportunities for all Texans," Abbott said of the 147-page opinion. "I commend the judicial panel for its careful consideration of this matter, its tireless work and its strict construction of the law."
Abbott plays an unusual role in the redistricting battle. While Abbott is clearly a Republican and the Republican-dominated Legislature’s top lawyer, he also is charged with representing the interests of all Texans. That’s a fine line. So while others in the redistricting battle may offer rhetoric laced with passion, Abbott’s statements are often more about the legal values of the redistricting case.
Bottom line: The map meets the requirements of the Voting Rights Act and the Texas Constitution, says Abbott. Abbott was rarely knocked off his "fair and legal" message point during this afternoon’s press conference. Even a question about Judge John Ward’s concerns about the lines for Congressional District 23 did not stop Abbott from returning to his "fair and legal" point to argue that all lines in the map were valid.
The closest Abbott offered to a value judgment on the map was that more minorities would be elected to Congress than ever before under the map. "Then why aren’t minority groups cheering the map?" one reporter asked the Attorney General. Abbott said when the real facts do come forth about the Congressional map, minority voters would recognize the map protected their voting rights.
Abbott also praised the map as the first time in more than a decade that lawmakers had drawn their own map for Congressional representation, rather than relying on the court.
The flurry of press releases from the Democratic delegation was a bit more impassioned. Most Democrats expressed disappointment. Even Republican Congressman Michael Burgess (R-Highland Village) issued his own statement, saying that he welcomed constituents from the redrawn Congressional District 26. That would include most of the African-Americans in South Fort Worth that were in Congressman Martin Frost’s CD 24.
Gerald Hebert, legal counsel to most of the Democratic congressional delegation, issued a statement saying the ruling ‘is so obviously wrong that it cannot stand as a matter of law… We are confident the Supreme Court will do the right thing, ultimately reverse this judgment on the merits, and in the meantime, stay the lower court’s mandate."
Abbott predicts the nation’s highest court will not grant the emergency stay that will be filed by the plaintiffs in the Texas case, stating that a tremendous number of voting right cases are appealed to the US Supreme Court but few are heard. The justices would have to find aspects of the Texas case compelling enough to intervene. That could be unlikely, so close on the heels of the Pennsylvania case on political gerrymandering.
The next step does present a number of scenarios. The Supreme Court could decline to take up the case or agree to intervene in the Texas case, reversing the lower court’s decision. The Supreme Court also could agree to let the current map stand, but hear a particular aspect of the case the justices considered worthy of judicial intervention.
(C) Copyright January 6, 2004 by Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved
Redistricting Upheld--AP
Judges Uphold GOP-Drawn Texas Districts
By APRIL CASTRO, Associated Press Writer
AUSTIN, Texas - A three-judge federal panel Tuesday upheld a new congressional map for Texas that the Republicans pushed through the Legislature after months of turmoil and two walkouts by the Democrats.
The decision followed a December trial on the heated redistricting issue.
Democrats and minority groups claim that the new map is unfair to Hispanic and black voters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and in South Texas.
But the judges said Democrats failed to prove the plan violates the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act, which protects minority voters. The opinion also noted that the judges ruled simply on the legality of the Republican plan, not its "wisdom."
"We know it is rough and tumble politics, and we are ever mindful that the judiciary must call the fouls without participating in the game," the judges said.
Democratic Rep. Martin Frost, whose district is being decimated under the new map, said the ruling turns "back the clock on nearly 40 years of progress for minority Americans." Democrats are expected to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Texas Democrats held a 17-15 advantage in Congress before Rep. Ralph Hall switched to the Republican Party last week, causing an even split in the delegation. Republicans say the new map could give them a 23-9 advantage.
The panel also rejected the Democrats' claims that the state constitution allows for redistricting once per decade, after Census information is released.
The Legislature failed to act on redistricting during the 2001 session, after the latest census, so a court-drawn plan was adopted.
The Republicans then tried to get another map drawn last year in the Legislature. Democrats in the House and Senate both staged quorum-breaking walkouts in an attempt to kill GOP-led bills, but the Republicans ultimately prevailed.
State GOP Chairwoman Tina Benkiser said the opinion "reaffirmed the will of the Texas Legislature."
"In 2004, the people of Texas will finally have a congressional delegation that reflects their votes and their views," Benkiser said.
Comments-[ comments.]
By APRIL CASTRO, Associated Press Writer
AUSTIN, Texas - A three-judge federal panel Tuesday upheld a new congressional map for Texas that the Republicans pushed through the Legislature after months of turmoil and two walkouts by the Democrats.
The decision followed a December trial on the heated redistricting issue.
Democrats and minority groups claim that the new map is unfair to Hispanic and black voters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and in South Texas.
But the judges said Democrats failed to prove the plan violates the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act, which protects minority voters. The opinion also noted that the judges ruled simply on the legality of the Republican plan, not its "wisdom."
"We know it is rough and tumble politics, and we are ever mindful that the judiciary must call the fouls without participating in the game," the judges said.
Democratic Rep. Martin Frost, whose district is being decimated under the new map, said the ruling turns "back the clock on nearly 40 years of progress for minority Americans." Democrats are expected to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Texas Democrats held a 17-15 advantage in Congress before Rep. Ralph Hall switched to the Republican Party last week, causing an even split in the delegation. Republicans say the new map could give them a 23-9 advantage.
The panel also rejected the Democrats' claims that the state constitution allows for redistricting once per decade, after Census information is released.
The Legislature failed to act on redistricting during the 2001 session, after the latest census, so a court-drawn plan was adopted.
The Republicans then tried to get another map drawn last year in the Legislature. Democrats in the House and Senate both staged quorum-breaking walkouts in an attempt to kill GOP-led bills, but the Republicans ultimately prevailed.
State GOP Chairwoman Tina Benkiser said the opinion "reaffirmed the will of the Texas Legislature."
"In 2004, the people of Texas will finally have a congressional delegation that reflects their votes and their views," Benkiser said.
Court Upholds Republican Redistricting (From Reuters)
Court Upholds Texas Republicans' Redistricting
HOUSTON (Reuters) - A federal court on Tuesday upheld Texas Republicans' congressional redistricting plan, denying Democrats' arguments the new map was unconstitutional and diluted voting strength of minority groups.
"We hold that plaintiffs have failed to prove that the state statute prescribing the lines for thirty-two congressional seats in Texas violates the United States Constitution or fails to comply with ... the Voting Rights Act," the panel of three U.S. judges wrote in its decision.
Democrats in the statehouse twice fled across state lines last year to deny Republicans a quorum in the Legislature needed to pass the redistricting bill. The measure finally succeeded in the third special session called by Republican Gov. Rick Perry.
Texas currently sends 17 Democrats and 15 Republicans to the U.S. House of Representatives, but under the new map pushed by U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Houston, the balance would likely swing to 22 Republicans and 10 Democrats.
A panel of federal judges created the existing Texas districts in 2001 after the Legislature was unable to agree on a map.
Republicans, who now hold every elected statewide office in Texas, had argued that the court's map failed to reflect the party's power in the state, and broke from tradition to redraw lines usually altered only every 10 years.
Comments-[ comments.]
HOUSTON (Reuters)
- A federal court on Tuesday upheld Texas Republicans' congressional redistricting plan, denying Democrats' arguments the new map was unconstitutional and diluted voting strength of minority groups. "We hold that plaintiffs have failed to prove that the state statute prescribing the lines for thirty-two congressional seats in Texas violates the United States Constitution or fails to comply with ... the Voting Rights Act," the panel of three U.S. judges wrote in its decision.
Democrats in the statehouse twice fled across state lines last year to deny Republicans a quorum in the Legislature needed to pass the redistricting bill. The measure finally succeeded in the third special session called by Republican Gov. Rick Perry.
Texas currently sends 17 Democrats and 15 Republicans to the U.S. House of Representatives, but under the new map pushed by U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Houston, the balance would likely swing to 22 Republicans and 10 Democrats.
A panel of federal judges created the existing Texas districts in 2001 after the Legislature was unable to agree on a map.
Republicans, who now hold every elected statewide office in Texas, had argued that the court's map failed to reflect the party's power in the state, and broke from tradition to redraw lines usually altered only every 10 years.
GOP Wins Redistricting Suit
In another blow for Democrats, the tree judge panel just ruled that all relief for the plaintiffs, ie: the Democrats, has been denied. Read the full decision here.
I'm sure there was cheering in Austin today, but a great disservice has been done the people of Texas.
Comments-[ comments.]
I'm sure there was cheering in Austin today, but a great disservice has been done the people of Texas.
Until February, It's All About IA, NM & OK
The following is from the Dean For Texas Campaign. It's their daily update.
January 5,2004
Dean Texas Digest
In this issue:
Until February 3 It's all about Iowa, New Mexico and Oklahoma
Letters to Undecided Voters in Iowa
Endorsements List: Compilation in Progress ASAP
Meetup Locations for January 7
For Texas: It's all about Iowa, New Mexico and Oklahoma
IOWA:
Texans are flying, driving and bussing their way to Iowa next week. We're about to
fill a third bus for a fun, exciting, exhausting, and important long weekend of work.
If you are flying or driving, let us know that you're going at: info
There are still about two dozen seats available. Roundtrip it's only $100
(contribution to Dean for America). And, YES, there are still "sponsored" seats
available!! If you can join us on Thursday, January 15th in the evening, and be away
until Tuesday, January 20th, we invite you to join us!
Details and sign-up at: www.deanfortexas.com/iowabus
If you want to donate toward another Texan going to Iowa, you can do so at:
http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1090&px=1676976
New Mexico and Oklahoma:
These two nearby states have primaries on February 3rd. Texas volunteers are
converging on both states as part of the Southwest Voter Express to help block walk
and identify Dean supporters. Lodging can be in a hotel or with friends, but both
state offices will also be arranging homes with host volunteers for us if you need
"free" lodging.
When we know which state you'd like to go to, we'll email you with additional details
about volunteer possibilities, ride sharing opportunities, or van info.
Oklahoma: We're trying to help Dean volunteers join up to drive in carpools on their
own, and to "sponsor" some vanpools to Oklahoma.
If you'd like to "sponsor" a Generation Dean person or others by helping with the van
rentals, you can donate online at:
http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1090&px=1743913
New Mexico: We've already had, and will continue to encourage, our great El Paso Dean volunteers to help our friends in Las Cruces, New Mexico. If you're anywhere in West Texas or just like going to New Mexico, we hope you'll take a weekend and help in that state. If we get enough interest, we'll send a van from the Austin/San Antonio area to New Mexico (the drive is at least two hours longer than to Oklahoma City).
If you want to go to either state, you can sign up at: www.deanfortexas.com by
clicking on the New Mexico and Oklahoma button.
Along with your contact info, we're looking to know:
Can you take your car?
How many people could you take with you?
Would you go if someone else drives? (either a private vehicle or a rental van)
Can you drive a rental van?
Would you be willing to be the lead person in a rental van of 7 to 15 people?
If filled, sponsored vans will only leave from San Antonio, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth
or Houston areas.
Letters to Undecided Voters in Iowa
Since July, Dean supporters across the country have been sending handwritten letters to voters in Iowa and New Hampshire. These letters have made a huge difference and helped catapult Howard Dean into the lead in both states.
Now, in the final days before the Iowa caucuses, it is more important than ever that undecided Iowans hear from you about the reasons you support Howard Dean.
No matter where you live, you can write a letter today that will make a direct impact on an undecided voter in Iowa. We're focusing on reaching out to rural Iowans, to make sure everyone in the state has heard about Howard Dean's positive vision for America. Please go to http://commons.deanforamerica.com/lettersIndex.php and sign up to write letters.
Endorsement List: Compilation in Progress ASAP
We're assisting the national office with a listing of every Democratic Elected
Official, Party Official or Celebrity that has endorsed to date.
If you know of local folks in any of those categories who should be on this list,
please send Glen Maxey an email at: info Please give their email,
address or phone number if you can.
Please have CONFIRMED with the person that their name can be listed in a public list
when you send the name. (And if you ARE one of the above, and wish to be listed, let
us know!!)
MeetUp Locations for January 7th
The January Dean MeetUps will be on Wednesday, January 7th at 7:00 pm at locations all over the state.
Below is a list of MeetUp location by city. As always, there continue to be changes,
so please look for your city and check out the locations. If you are a Dean MeetUp
coordinator or host, please email us at info and let us know of any changes or additional locations in your area.
If you wish to start a MeetUp at a city not listed here or on Meetup.com, please let
us know. Although it won't be on the Meetup.com list, we'll email everyone in our
database in your city or county to let them know where the MeetUp will be!
Again, Vermont has asked all MeetUp hosts/coordinators to sign up at http://meetup.deanforamerica.com in order to stay current on all the latest Dean MeetUp
information. There needs to be at least one person per location signed up in order to
receive the material you will need for the MeetUp.
Dallas - Lakewood Theater, 1825 Abrams Rd, Dallas
Dallas - Scooter's Planet, 3427 Trinity Mills St, Dallas
Dallas - Standard and Pour, 1409 S. Lamar St, Dallas
Tyler - El Charro Restaurant, 2623 E Fifth St, Tyler
Comments-[ comments.]
January 5,2004
Dean Texas Digest
In this issue:
Until February 3 It's all about Iowa, New Mexico and Oklahoma
Letters to Undecided Voters in Iowa
Endorsements List: Compilation in Progress ASAP
Meetup Locations for January 7
For Texas: It's all about Iowa, New Mexico and Oklahoma
IOWA:
Texans are flying, driving and bussing their way to Iowa next week. We're about to
fill a third bus for a fun, exciting, exhausting, and important long weekend of work.
If you are flying or driving, let us know that you're going at: info
There are still about two dozen seats available. Roundtrip it's only $100
(contribution to Dean for America). And, YES, there are still "sponsored" seats
available!! If you can join us on Thursday, January 15th in the evening, and be away
until Tuesday, January 20th, we invite you to join us!
Details and sign-up at: www.deanfortexas.com/iowabus
If you want to donate toward another Texan going to Iowa, you can do so at:
http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1090&px=1676976
New Mexico and Oklahoma:
These two nearby states have primaries on February 3rd. Texas volunteers are
converging on both states as part of the Southwest Voter Express to help block walk
and identify Dean supporters. Lodging can be in a hotel or with friends, but both
state offices will also be arranging homes with host volunteers for us if you need
"free" lodging.
When we know which state you'd like to go to, we'll email you with additional details
about volunteer possibilities, ride sharing opportunities, or van info.
Oklahoma: We're trying to help Dean volunteers join up to drive in carpools on their
own, and to "sponsor" some vanpools to Oklahoma.
If you'd like to "sponsor" a Generation Dean person or others by helping with the van
rentals, you can donate online at:
http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1090&px=1743913
New Mexico: We've already had, and will continue to encourage, our great El Paso Dean volunteers to help our friends in Las Cruces, New Mexico. If you're anywhere in West Texas or just like going to New Mexico, we hope you'll take a weekend and help in that state. If we get enough interest, we'll send a van from the Austin/San Antonio area to New Mexico (the drive is at least two hours longer than to Oklahoma City).
If you want to go to either state, you can sign up at: www.deanfortexas.com by
clicking on the New Mexico and Oklahoma button.
Along with your contact info, we're looking to know:
Can you take your car?
How many people could you take with you?
Would you go if someone else drives? (either a private vehicle or a rental van)
Can you drive a rental van?
Would you be willing to be the lead person in a rental van of 7 to 15 people?
If filled, sponsored vans will only leave from San Antonio, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth
or Houston areas.
Letters to Undecided Voters in Iowa
Since July, Dean supporters across the country have been sending handwritten letters to voters in Iowa and New Hampshire. These letters have made a huge difference and helped catapult Howard Dean into the lead in both states.
Now, in the final days before the Iowa caucuses, it is more important than ever that undecided Iowans hear from you about the reasons you support Howard Dean.
No matter where you live, you can write a letter today that will make a direct impact on an undecided voter in Iowa. We're focusing on reaching out to rural Iowans, to make sure everyone in the state has heard about Howard Dean's positive vision for America. Please go to http://commons.deanforamerica.com/lettersIndex.php and sign up to write letters.
Endorsement List: Compilation in Progress ASAP
We're assisting the national office with a listing of every Democratic Elected
Official, Party Official or Celebrity that has endorsed to date.
If you know of local folks in any of those categories who should be on this list,
please send Glen Maxey an email at: info Please give their email,
address or phone number if you can.
Please have CONFIRMED with the person that their name can be listed in a public list
when you send the name. (And if you ARE one of the above, and wish to be listed, let
us know!!)
MeetUp Locations for January 7th
The January Dean MeetUps will be on Wednesday, January 7th at 7:00 pm at locations all over the state.
Below is a list of MeetUp location by city. As always, there continue to be changes,
so please look for your city and check out the locations. If you are a Dean MeetUp
coordinator or host, please email us at info and let us know of any changes or additional locations in your area.
If you wish to start a MeetUp at a city not listed here or on Meetup.com, please let
us know. Although it won't be on the Meetup.com list, we'll email everyone in our
database in your city or county to let them know where the MeetUp will be!
Again, Vermont has asked all MeetUp hosts/coordinators to sign up at http://meetup.deanforamerica.com in order to stay current on all the latest Dean MeetUp
information. There needs to be at least one person per location signed up in order to
receive the material you will need for the MeetUp.
Dallas - Lakewood Theater, 1825 Abrams Rd, Dallas
Dallas - Scooter's Planet, 3427 Trinity Mills St, Dallas
Dallas - Standard and Pour, 1409 S. Lamar St, Dallas
Tyler - El Charro Restaurant, 2623 E Fifth St, Tyler
