It has been revealed to the grassroots by a conservative State Representative that the timing of this vote is to prevent a grassroots effort to influence the Texas House redistricting effort. Rep. Solomons, a Straus lieutenant, presented an initial House redistricting map (H153) that is expected to elect about 80 Republicans in the next election. This is more moderate “fairness” from Speaker Straus’ camp. In fact, it is rumored that the Speaker is reaching out again to Democrats for help in pushing this redistricting plan. Forget the fact that the overwhelming majority of Texans voted for Republicans in the hope that they would pass legislation based on conservative principles. Again, as the Speaker did in the last session when he appointed Committee Chairs to be “representational” of the Texas vote, he is at it again to ensure the progressive Democrats get a better shot at winning elections than they deserve. This quick scheduling of a vote is to slip this in as soon as possible while the conservative grassroots are busy with observing the Easter Weekend.
Again, it is with mixed emotions that the Tea Parties can claim “we told you so.” We are sad to note that the Solomons/Straus House Redistricting Plan does include retribution regarding the several House conservatives who challenged Straus in the Speaker’s Race earlier this year. At the time, Rep. Hughes put out a press notice that Rep. Larry Phillips indicated to him that the Speaker would use redistricting as a weapon against conservative House members. Well, that is exactly what has happened. The Speaker’s map pits 14 conservative incumbent Republicans against each other while only forcing 4 Democrats to face each other. Of special note, this plan pairs conservatives Erwin Cain and Dan Flynn, and Jim Landtroop and Charles Perry - four gentlemen who opposed Speaker Straus.
However, there is hope. The conservative House members are starting to coalesce behind an alternative plan put forth by Rep. Joe Nixon (see below). The Nixon House Proposal Plan H155 holds down the number of Republican pairing to only 2 districts and is expected to elect 99 Republicans in the next election. This is a far better plan than Solomons' which is expected to be voted on next Tuesday. You can view both the Solomons and Nixon plans online at http://gis1.tlc.state.tx.us (click "Base Plan" and go from there).
It is imperative that we help defeat House Redistricting Plan H153 (CSHB 150) to ensure that the gains we made in 2010 are not frittered away by RINOs who hope to continue their rule with Democratic support and to show the Speaker that the Tea Party grassroots is still alive and kicking.
We need each and every Tea Party Conservative who gives a damn about Texas to pick up the phone AND send an email to let the Republican House Representatives know that we do not support an anti-conservative House redistricting plan. This must be done every day until next Wednesday’s vote. This is not a time to be “fair” or “moderate”, the future of our State, and indeed our country, is at stake. We must be partisan in order to hold the gains we have made and to continue the push towards limited government, fiscally responsible, and free market solutions.
It is critical that Republican Legislators hear from the conservative grassroots Tea Party movement. You must take a personal responsibility in charting the legislative course for Texas. Make your calls, send your emails, and if you can visit their local offices in person. Thank you and please keep up the good fight. I’m off to make a call!
Representative, Larry Taylor: (District 24):
Capitol Office (512) 463-0729 Fax (512) 474-2398
District Office (281) 338-0924 - Fax (281) 554-9240
Email: larry.taylor@house.state.tx.us
Representative, John Davis: (District 129)
Capitol Office (512) 463-0734) Fax (512) 479-6955
District Office (281) 333-1350 Fax (281) 335-9101
Email: john.davis@house.state.tx.us
Representative, Randy Weber: (District 29)
Capitol Office (512) 463-0707 Fax (512) 463-8717
District Office (281) 485-0616 Fax (281) 485-1106
Email: district29.weber@house.state.tx.us
Take a minute to call and express your thoughts to your representatives. Please copy us (info@clearlaketeaparty.com) on any letters you email to your Rep so that we can keep a record. Too often they try and claim they haven't heard from us. If you copy us, there's an irrefutable record.
They vote on Tuesday, April 26th! Act now!
UPDATE from Rep. Wayne Christian:
Urgent Texas Legislative Update: New House Map
A new Texas House map has been released, "Plan H155," that can be viewed here, http://gis1.tlc.state.tx.us.
The new map H155 accomplishes the following:
- Is more reflective of the voting patterns of the state
- Is fair and legal
- Accurately reflects the voters intent
- Includes a minimal amount of pairings
- Consistently compact where possible
- Is in compliance with the Voting Rights Act.
- Elects 99 Republicans, compared to the committee map electing 92 Republicans
- Protects conservative House members
- Reelects the conservative freshman House members that the voters elected in an overwhelming mandate in 2010
To view the map go to http://gis1.tlc.state.tx.us.
Click on "select plans," and select "base plan."
Select "PlanH155- NIXON STATEWIDE HOUSE PROPOSAL"
The ask is that the grassroots call their State Representatives and ask them to not vote for the house map passed out of the redistricting committee and to vote for the new map as an amendment on the House floor on Tuesday.
Reference "Plan H155." As of today the vote will be on
Time is of the essence here, the House will adjourn on Thursday afternoon and all of the Representatives will return home to their districts for Easter weekend.
**Note- The map you see live on the website today will be slightly different from the map that is introduced as an amendment, the lawyers are fine tuning the map as we speak.
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