I'm an idiot! The TX redistricting fight isn't about party, it's PERSONAL.

[FlashHarry]

So, I must be a little slow on the uptake. If the redistricting goes through, it will give TX Republicans the biggest delegation in the US House of Representatives, thus virtually ensuring Tom DeLay's ascension to Speaker of the House!

I can't believe I have been so stupid! I thought this was all about Republican dominance, when it's actually been about a intra-party turf war! Sheesh!

Again, this fits in with the GOP's new slogan, POLITICS BEFORE POLICY.

[KCDem]

1. yeah, the other states should really help us out here!

You are right--it isn't just a Reputhuglican thing, it's a big TX power-grab. It's scary.

[madfloridian]

3. Hey, I have donated twice to your Dems.

Lots of us have. Yes, it is a power grab.

[Trek234]

13. Totally wrong

Don't think this is about Texas getting power. This is ALL about the repubs, the 2004 election, and SOLID control of *as many states* as possible.

According to one of them Texas dems that fled (who got this info from a CO dem elected legislature) Rove showed up on Colorado and tried to pull the same shit they are pulling in Texas. (Hmmm... Now why would Rove do that... 2004 prep maybe?)

Don't think CA is just some fluke either. Remember, repub governor (especially the to be puppet Arnold) = in Roves pocket = repub friendly voting machines/other nice things for 2004 national election such as better chances of illegit (see FL for example) electoral votes.

Don't think for a second this is all about Texas. It's a nation wide effort for a massive power grab and it is working damn well too.

[tom_paine]

2. Right, now that Imperial Amerika is 90% assured

DeLay will soon feel comfortable (perhaps after the sham-SDtalinist "election" in 2004) enought o throw away his sock-puppet Hastert and reveal the TRUE face of the Totalitarian Party.

They hid it in 1998 after the Attempted Coup turned out to be a temporary disgrace.

Once the Last Vestiges of the Old Republic ae swept away (minus the Imperial Senate and the word "freedom" repeated constantly Stalinistically on all channels of Corporate TV Pravda.

[charlie]

4. You think so?

I'm sure DeLay could've been Speaker after Gingrich. Certainly after Livingstone bailed -- if he wanted the job.

I think he's content as the unheralded poobah behind the throne. It's a classic power setup -- he's the real boss, with an empty mouthpiece to front and take the heat for whatever his rotten heart desires.

[Brian Sweat]

7. I image someone as stupid as Delay has some skeletons in his closet.

He probably wanted to wait until there was less heat, so people wouldn't look into his past so closely.

[Yupster]

5. This confuses me

even more than usual.

Why would having the biggest delegation "virtually ensure" Delay being elected Speaker?

The current Speaker does not have the largest delegation, nor did the last proposed Speaker Bob Livingston, nor did the last Speaker Newt Gingrich, nor did the last Speaker Tom Foley, nor did the last Speaker Jim Wright nor did the last Speaker Tip O'Neill. That's as far back as I remember.

There must be logic at work here somewhere but I guess I'm missing it.

[Richardo]

6. Well, it's "The Hammer" Delay with 20 votes in lock-step, plus

all the others he will brow beat (dare one say "whip"?) into shape.

And I can assure you that he'll make Newt Gingrich look like Mother Theresa by comparison.

[Yupster]

8. Well he very well get elected Speaker some day, but

it won't be because he comes from the state with the largest Republican delegation. There just isn't any history of that making any difference. Is there?

[Richardo]

10. All I'm saying is that it won't hurt his chances...

...plus who among them would have the balls to challenge him, if he wants it? :shrug:

[Yupster]

11. No it won't hurt his chances, but

what you're saying is very different from what the original poster said who started this thread.

[charlie]

9. Again, I still think

Delay could've been Speaker years ago if he wanted the position. He's been de facto Speaker since Gingrich left, so why should he trade his relative anonymity for the media glare that comes with the top job (recall Newt as the Gingrich that Stole Christmas on Time and Newsweek)? Redistricting is about diluting the vestiges of Democrat voting blocs in Texas, nothing more -- and certainly reason enough!

[Yupster]

12. Agree with you Charlie

He just wants more (R's) and fewer (D's). If good things happen for him because of that, I'm sure he won't complain.