[lbo-talk] Texas GOP orders arrest of House Democrats

[Brian O. Sheppard]

Repubs control the House and are trying to pass major new redistricting
laws that would skew the political landscape in their favor for the
future. The Dems have boycotted the legislature and the GOP wants them
arrested. - Brian

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http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030512/ap_on_re_us/texas_legislature_rebellion_8

Texas House Seeks Arrest of Truant Dems
Mon May 12, 5:21 PM ET

By CONNIE MABIN, Associated Press Writer

AUSTIN, Texas - State troopers and the elite Texas Rangers were ordered to
track down and bring in 59 Democratic lawmakers who brought the Texas
House to a standstill Monday by going into hiding.

The quorum-busting boycott capped months of tension between Democrats and
the newly-in-control Republicans, and occurred as the chamber was
scheduled to debate a congressional redistricting plan opposed by
Democrats.

[...]

GOP House Speaker Tom Craddick locked down the House chamber so lawmakers
who did show up Monday morning could not leave. After a roll call, he
ordered the missing lawmakers arrested and brought back to the chamber.

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