http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=716&e=5&u=/ap/20031013/ap_on_re_us/texas_redistrictingRedistricting Map Sent to Texas Governor
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By NATALIE GOTT, Associated Press Writer
AUSTIN, Texas - After six months, two walkouts and three special legislative sessions, lawmakers have signed off on a new congressional redistricting map that likely will send more Texas Republicans to Washington.
The Texas Senate approved the bill Sunday, sending it to Republican Gov. Rick Perry, who was expected to sign it.
Republicans have said they could pick up as many as six additional seats in Texas' 32-member delegation, which is ruled 17-15 by Democrats. Democrats said the map would add seven Republicans. After the vote Sunday, Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said the new plan better reflects voting trends in the state.
"I think this map will lend, will create, new members of Congress being elected in the 2004 elections," Dewhurst said.