High court observers see redistricting case as pivotal

[lovuian]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3523270.html

Political expert says a look at gerrymandering could be 'historic'


By PATTY REINERT
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court, historically reluctant to wade into what it has called the "political thicket" of redistricting cases, has now jumped in with both feet.

Legal and political experts said Tuesday that the implications for Texas and the nation, not to mention for former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, could be enormous.

On Monday, the court agreed to hear arguments in four cases challenging the 2003 Texas redistricting plan that sent six more Republicans to Congress in the last election. The challengers will try to convince the justices next spring that the new map should not have been redrawn when it was — and that it violates the federal Voting Rights Act and the Constitution by diluting minority voting strength and favoring Republican candidates.

DeLay's role in the controversial Texas redistricting resulted in his being rebuked by the House ethics committee. DeLay was also forced to step down from his leadership post and indicted on money laundering charges after he was accused of illegally diverting funds to the campaigns of Texas lawmakers responsible for redrawing the map.

more...

Interesting case...

[bluestateguy]

1. They can make a valid case that the VRA was violated

But I'm sorry, the Court cannot overrule a redistricting map simply on the grounds that a "political" redistricting was drawn up, meant to benefit one political party. Then no state's redistricting would be safe from constitutional challenge. Redistricting is already a regular part of the Court's docket.

[Kagemusha]

2. How about to suppress the black vote to accomplish the same?

Just wondering.

[fasttense]

3. Like the dancing Supremes would ever rule against their repuke friends.

This is a no brainer. The dancing supremes have been bought, heart and soul, by the repukes and their not about to rule against their sugar daddies.

[loudsue]

4. If there IS a God, the repukes will be on the other end of that stick one

day in the future. Of course, when the Dems manage to redistrict so that republicans are shut out, the republicans will declare WWIII, and go whining to the supremes.

:kick:

[Demeter]

5. You BET It's Pivotal

Because it will declare whether the Supremes are going to enforce a law, or bow to their Master.