How 6% of the Texas population (Rethug Anti-Choicers) keep a stranglehold on the whole state
Half of the article in the link (way)below is about the TX anti-choice bill being filibustered by SUPER HERO state senator Wendy DAVIS on this last day of the Special Session, covered in Cali’s thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023094281 ,
“Thread in support of Sen Davis who must filibuster (no breaks) 13 hours to kill TX abortion bill”.
http://jezebel.com/watch-badass-texas-senator-wendy-davis-filibuster-all-d-575326747
[font size=5]Badass Texas Senator Launches Intense Filibuster Against Abortion Bill[/font]
The rest of this article (BELOW) is IVINS-esque in detailing how Rethugs retain a stranglehold over a large state with only 6% of the population:
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Written by Harold Cook, Letters From Texas is a humorous look at politics and current events, as seen through the eyes of a progressive Texan in a bad mood. - See more at: http://www.lettersfromtexas.com/2013/06/the-six-percent.html#sthash.I4PjqRBQ.bBxIATAp.dpuf
http://www.lettersfromtexas.com/2013/06/the-six-percent.html
[font size=5]The six percent[/font]
By Harold Cook
Today’s a big day for Democrats in the state legislature. And at the end of the day, they’ll probably think they won a big one.
Thankfully, they’re working hard to kill a bill which, if it passed, would be among the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation. In fact it’s probably unconstitutional. ....
[FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: yellow"]Republican officeholders are terrified of their own primary voters[/FONT]. Aside from the stray post-redistricting election here and there, the vast majority of Republican incumbents who lose their re-election efforts do so in the Republican primary – in most district elections and statewide, Democrats have been little threat to them. [FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: yellow"]The pro-life(sic) stance in the abortion debate is the big motivating issue for only one voting segment: Republican primary voters[/FONT].
So who are these voters? Of the 25 million people who live in Texas, it amounts to fewer than 1.5 million people. That’s about [FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: yellow"]six percent of Texans[/FONT].
Six percent. That’s the entire audience Republican officeholders are playing to, while [FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: yellow"]the other 94 percent of Texans look on as spectators to this sham. That six percent are also the folks who have been electing all the statewide officeholders around here for almost 20 years[/FONT], since the only two things a candidate has to do to get elected statewide in Texas are to win in the Republican primary, and to not get hit by a bus until after the general election. The safety and liberty of Texas women is being sold down the river for the sake of that six percent. [FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: yellow"]The legitimately important issues of concern to mainstream Texas families stay on the back burner for the sake of the six percent[/FONT]. And virtually all the public utterances of the Republican leadership in Texas are aimed squarely at attracting the six percent. And that’s exactly how things will continue around here until Democrats win a statewide election, and Republicans suddenly remember [FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: yellow"]the other 94 percent. There are 23.5 million Texans Republicans haven’t had a conversation with in 20 years[/FONT]. But the longer Republicans pander to their precious six percent, the more likely it is that Democrats will be back in the game sooner rather than later. The lack of leadership around here isn’t indicated by Republicans mishandling the clock. It’s best indicated by them ignoring the 94 percent. Thank the House Democrats for their amazing round-the-clock efforts in the last few days in slowing down this legislation. Be grateful for the Senate Democrats standing strong and united yesterday in blocking the rule suspension which would have greased this bill through. [FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: yellow"]Cheer on Senator Wendy Davis today as she hopefully carries the ball over the finish line and kills this bill[/FONT]. But then, after all that, don’t be surprised when the [FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: yellow"]Republicans immediately call a do-over, and legislators are back in Austin for a second special session. Because, dear 94 percenters - the other six percent must be catered to.[/FONT]
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