From The Austin American-Statesman, 7/14/03:
http://www.statesman.com/legislature...edistrict.html

Ratliff sides with Democrats on redistricting

Republican ally gives Democrats enough votes to keep any map from
Senate floor

By Ken Herman and Laylan Copelin

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Texas Republicans' effort to draw new congressional districts took a
direct, potentially fatal hit on Monday from one of their own.

Sen. Bill Ratliff, R-Mt. Pleasant, announced he has signed on with 10
Democrats who have said they will vote to keep any redistricting map
from the Senate floor.

It takes 21 votes in the 31-member Senate to bring any legislation to
the floor for action.

Eleven senators can block any action.

Ratliff, who opposes the redistricting effort and does not like the
way a House-approved version splits his constituents, said he has told
Republican Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst that he is siding with the
Democrats in their "unalterable opposition to any motion to bring a
congressional redistricting bill to the Senate floor."

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Nice work.

Harry