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Texas Democrat Gives Republicans QuorumSenator John Whitmire returns from self-exile in New Mexico
Democratic state Sen. John Whitmire arrived back in Austin just in time to give the state Republicans the quorum they needed to try and push through a GOP-leaning redistricting plan. Senator Whitmire was welcomed back with open arms by his Republican colleagues to the chagrin of his own party members. Whitmire, along with 10 other Democrats, had taken refuge in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to prevent the Texas Senate from having a quroum. The tactic was designed to prevent the Senate from enacting a redistricting plan that is likely to dramatically increase the Republican presence in the United States House of Representatives. Some political analysts believe that Whitmire finally caved in to what ultimately could not be prevented, the constituting of a senate quorum. Others, however, raised more serious questions as to why Whitmire returned to Austin from New Mexico. "There are some in Austin who believe that John was forced to return to Austin for the safety of his family," said one of Whitmire's colleagues, who asked to remain anonymous.
Governor Rick Perry played down the rumor that Whitmire was coerced to return to Texas. "This is not Russia. People are free to leave. Of course, we take it very seriously when an elected official leaves and we have ways of making family members talk," said Perry, "especially those families with small children." Whitmire declined offers for interviews, but seemed relieved to be back at work. With the quorum finally achieved, Republicans are finally free to redraw the state districts in a manner that guarantees that conservatives will control over two-thirds of the house seats in Congress. |
"In the days leading up to John's return," continued
the colleague, "John received several phone calls
that upset him. There was also a note, with letters
cut out from the newspaper. It looked a little like
a ransom note of some kind."