Feds: Perry Signed Redistricting Map That Was Intentionally Discriminatory

[deminks]

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/10/feds_rick_perry-signed_redistricting_map_keeps_479704_hispanics_from_electing_candidate_of_their_choice.php

There is “ample circumstantial evidence” that the congressional and state representative redistricting maps signed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry had not only the effect but the intent of limiting the voting power of Hispanic voters, Justice Department lawyers said in a court filing late Tuesday.

DOJ is seeking the block the maps, filing to deny Texas’ request for summary judgement in a case involving allegations that officials in the state tried to limit the voter power of Hispanic voters in violation of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

Federal lawyers contended in the newest filing that there is “ample circumstantial evidence of a discriminatory purpose with regard to both the State House and Congressional plans” and that in the new maps nearly half a million fewer Hispanics would live in districts where they would have the ability to elect a candidate of their choosing.

(snip)

Race and ethnicity, the lawyers wrote “were common themes during discussions between the Republican leadership and others, including a United States Congressman and staff. State leaders viewed race as a proxy for party, leading to redistricting decisions and movements of population based solely on the basis of race.”

The member of Congress in question is Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) — who as it so happens chairs the House Judiciary Committee, which has primary oversight over DOJ. Smith’s emails are cited as an example of officials plotting to protect their electoral interests while taking race into account.

(end snip)

Stunning. I hope the emails are made public.

[Homer12]

1. Are all Texas republicans this blantantly racist?

[hobbit709]

4. There are a few that make this look covert.

[ret5hd]

2. May this go down in history as "the N***erhead Map"

[Firebrand Gary]

3. K&R