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Statement on Redistricting Decision

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Senator Kirk Watson, Chair of the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus, released the following statement regarding Tuesday’s federal court decision on redistricting maps approved this year by the Texas Legislature:

Today, a three-judge federal Court in Washington, D.C. denied the State of Texas’ Motion for Summary Judgment, which sought approval of redistricting maps under the Voting Rights Act.  In doing so, the Court ruled that the State used an "improper standard or methodology to determine which districts afford minority voters the ability to elect their preferred candidates of choice."

The Senate Democrats made this same point time and again during the 82nd Texas Legislative Session.  The argument was ignored by those controlling the Capitol in an illegal effort to draw lines that created a retrogression in minority voting strength.  Those efforts were inappropriate, and we applaud the Court's decision. 

We look forward to a remedy that values the dignity of all Texas voters and complies with the law