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:: 8.20.2003 ::
Remember when Texas Democrats hightailed it to Oklahoma, and then to New Mexico, in an effort to stave off a Republican power grab? Well, you'd never know it from the "news," but they're still in exile.The Democratic Senators currently in Albuquerque have two critical needs. The first is to generate increased public awareness of the situation. By all reason, every day the Senators are out of the state this story should get bigger. Instead, news media have gradually lost interest in the story. The California recall has dominated the attention of the national media, and the Texas media has largely lost interest in the story -- out of sight, out of mind. Without public attention to this story, the Republicans have all the leverage -- if it does not cost them politically, it costs them nothing(8) to continue calling special sessions until the Texas 11 are forced to come home.
The second critical need is funding. The cost of hotels, meeting rooms, staff support, and public relations efforts is mounting. In addition, the Senators must defend themselves legally against Republican efforts to compel their return, while also filing legal claims against the Republican power play. The Senators are actively raising money for the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus Fund to offset these costs and prepare themselves for a stay of indefinite duration in Albuquerque. You can make a contribution here, and read a letter from one of the Senators involved. Thanks to moveon.org for the heads-up.
:: Deb 12:58 PM :: permalink ::
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