Redistricting falls off session's table (New Mexico)

[Freddie Stubbs]

SANTA FE - Gov. Bill Richardson today took one big item off the Legislature's special session menu.

Congressional redistricting is off Richardson's agenda, his office confirmed this morning.

"Redistricting is not on the call," said Gilbert Gallegos, a spokesman for Richardson.

Richardson sets the agenda for the special session with a "call," a proclamation stating the to-do list for lawmakers. He filed it this morning with the New Mexico Secretary of State.

more: http://www.abqtrib.com/archives/news03/102703_news_homsess.shtml

[Frodo]

1. So, what was it about NM's redistricting...

... that caused a court to get involved?

"New Mexico's last redistricting effort ended in 2001, but was ultimately resolved by the courts."

Was there not a plan passed in their legislature? What does NM law/constitution say about who handles redistricting?

[genius]

2. That's because Democrats lack the courage to stand up to

the Republicans. It was a Democratic state senator who caved and gave TExans their re-districting.

[Frodo]

3. Let's not stretch it, that was a no-win situation.

What does it cost the Republican's to stay "in session"? Very little. They can go home at night and see their family. Public opinion wasn't hurting them any and they knwe they would eventually win.

What was it costing the Democrats? Spending their own money (any idea what a state senator makes?) out of state and subject to arrest if he returned? Away from his family? When he saw no long term prospect of winning?

It wasn't his lack of courage. It was his (and other Democrats) lack of vision to see this comming two years ago and cut a deal for a better map.

[goobergunch]

4. It's time to play hardball

I disagree with this decision. If the Repukes can take away 7-9 seats in TX, the least we can do is zap Heather Wilson.