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Valley Democrats upset by House redistricting map
Posted: 04.29.2011 at 7:17 PM
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Members of the Democratic Party in Rio Grande Valley told Action 4 News that they are outraged for two reasons.

Democrats told Action 4 News that the Texas House of Representatives does not include a seventh seat for South Texas.

But also they said this plan violates the Voting Rights Act.

The Texas House Redistricting Committee has approved their version of the new district map.

McAllen resident Eli Olivares serves as a executive committee member for the Texas State Democratic Party.

"What this map does for South Texas is that it's splitting up minority communities," Olivares said.

He calls this new map, a "Republican move."

"What they are trying to do is to take a stronghold of South Texas," he said.

The new map redraws the lines taking some of State Representative Veronica Gonzales's district and giving it to now Republican State Representative Aaron Peña.

"As it is now, 1.3 of Pena's constituents will only be represented in this district," Olivares said. "Veronica Gonzales will only have 2 percent of her constituents by this new district, so you can see why would you do that?"

Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen's District 31 seat will now hold some of Hidalgo county meaning the Valley will only hold six state seats.

Olivares said this redistricting plan is a violation of the Voting Rights Act an act that protects minority communities.

"That's something that we're looking into," said Olivares.

Hollis Rutledge, former Hidalgo county Republican Chairman said in the end, legislators will have to do what's right.

"Consulting with their experts and attorneys that they make sure if they are going to approve a plan that that plan adheres to federal guidelines to make sure it protects minority interests," said Rutledge.

He said he's confident South Texas will get another seat, if not a representative, than a congressman.

"I think we have a good map," he said. "It may need some fine tweeking and it will probably get to that."

The redistricting plan was approved by the House of Representatives this week.

It then moves on to the Senate, and it could even go to court if there's still a question about whether it violates the Voting Rights Act.

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