This bodes well for the Republicans in the next Congress:

A three-judge federal panel Tuesday upheld a new congressional map for Texas that the Republicans pushed through the Legislature after months of turmoil and two walkouts by the Democrats. he decision followed a December trial in which Democrats and minority groups argued that the new map tramples the rights of Hispanic and black voters.

But the judges said Democrats failed to prove the plan violates the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act, designed to protect minority voters. The opinion also noted that the judges ruled simply on the legality of the Republican plan — not its "wisdom."

The Texas delegation to Congress consists of an even split between Democrats and Republicans after Rep. Ralph Hall switched to the GOP this week. Republicans may take up to six more districts in the next election, making a switch in control of the House impossible for the Democrats, even if it was unlikely anyway. While this is mostly a one-off event, it seems to be adding to the momentum Republicans have been gathering as the election rolls ever closer. I'll predict that the Republicans may wind up with as much as a 35-seat majority in the House in 2005, and possibly more if Dean gets the nomination.

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» TEXAS REDISTRICTING UPHELD from Patterico's Pontifications
The Texas redistricting has been upheld. Professor Bainbridge says: This is a VERY big deal. It means a likely shift of up to 7 House of Representative seats to the GOP.Ultimately, though, the good Professor is worried that the precedent... [Read More]

Tracked on January 7, 2004 12:46 AM