February 6, 2023      4:45 PM
HK: Redistricting could either be pro-forma or a Legislative Redistricting Board power play
This legislature has been given a financial gift that could profoundly impact the future of Texas. It would be a shame if that once in a generation opportunity was contaminated with redistricting politics on top of everything else
A political mentor and
legislative strategist once laughingly said “Never attribute to coincidence
that which can be explained by conspiracy.”
It is not an absolute rule
of thumb but has been a helpful tool through the decades of watching Texas
government.
We recently mused about
the role of the new Texas Senate Redistricting Committee when Lt.
Governor Dan Patrick announced committee assignments.
The narrative under the
Dome was that there would be minor retooling sufficient to require the Senators
to have to redraw lots to determine whether they would face re-election in two
or four years. Some of the Lite Guv’s allies wanted two-year
terms so they would have a free ride to run statewide in the 2026 midterms.
By Harvey Kronberg
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