Redistricting battle likely to delay Texas presidential primary

AUSTIN, Texas -- The role of Texas in Democratic presidential politics could be damaged by bitter Republican infighting over congressional redistricting.

As the clock ticked Sunday without a deal on redistricting, a delay in the March 2 Texas primary became increasingly likely.

That could leave state Democrats without much influence in picking their party's nominee to challenge President Bush next year, since one of the Democratic candidates might have his party's nomination sewn up before a delayed Texas vote.

Lawmakers on both sides of the Capitol had hoped to have an agreement in place by Saturday. No map had been filed by Sunday afternoon, and the House and the Senate left for the day.

Gov. Rick Perry has cited Monday as the "drop dead date" for him to sign a map agreed on by lawmakers. With a required 24-hour waiting period before any map could be considered for a vote, the Monday deadline was nearly impossible.

The office of Secretary of State Geoff Connor has said the Legislature must adjourn and the bill must be signed no later than Monday to maintain the March 2 primary with new congressional districts.

The Texas Senate approved the redistricting legislation Wednesday in an 18-12 vote mostly along party lines. The House adopted its own GOP-friendly map last week following two Democratic walkouts.

Republicans, however, are arguing with themselves over the shape of three West Texas districts. House Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, wants a new Midland-based district that would represent the oil and gas industry by separating it from Lubbock, but Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, wants to maintain his region's farm and agriculture representation in Congress.

Republicans want a map that will increase their numbers in Texas' congressional delegation, which is now led by Democrats 17-15. Some GOP proposals would increase Republican seats by as many as six.

Democrats say the Republican maps would trample minority representation in Congress, while the GOP says voting trends show that Texas should have more Republicans in Washington.

During an earlier legislative session, the Texas presidential primary was moved up a week from March 9 to March 2 to join California and New York and enhance Texas' role in the selection of presidential nominees.

Critics say that delaying the primary would diminish turnout, waste tax dollars and interfere with local elections.