Undisclosed Memo Revealed as Supreme Court Reviews Texas Redistricting Case
January 30, 2006
The Washington Post recently obtained an undisclosed 73-page memo from six Justice Department lawyers and two analysts that clearly communicated that the proposed redistricting map
Written by Senator Eliot Shapleigh, www.shapleigh.org
New evidence has been found which reassures that those involved with the redistricting plan now in question were aware of its illegality and discriminatory practices.
The Washington Post recently obtained an undisclosed 73-page memo from six Justice Department lawyers and two analysts that clearly communicated that the proposed redistricting map "illegally diluted black and Hispanic voting power." Due to intense pressure from Republican lawmakers, led by House majority leader Tom Delay, senior officials dismissed the memo and the plan was approved.
The Justice Department memo further articulates how DeLay and his staff adamantly forced the adoption of their proposed plan over two other less questionable versions being considered. A document written by James W. Ellis, one of DeLay's aides, was quoted in the memo as stating "The pre-clearance and political risks are the delegation's and we are willing to assume those risks, but only with our map."
The case is now being reviewed by the Supreme Court. Seven appellant parties filed briefs to the Supreme Court by the December deadline including Travis County, the GI Forum, LULAC, and Texas NAACP. The main arguments of the appellants' briefs focus on the gerrymandering of District 32 and how mid-decade redistricting uses outdated census information and therefore violates the "one person, one vote" doctrine under the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
The State's defending responses will be due on February 1st and oral arguments will begin on March 1st. A decision is expected to be rendered no later than early July of this year.
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