Heather in the Crosshairs?

Now that the Texas Legislature, over the stern objections of Democrats, has approved a redistricting plan that seems to assure the Congressional delegation there will be controlled by the Republicans, Democrats in New Mexico, particularly allies of State Senator President Pro Tem and Congressional candidate Richard Romero, are hoping this month's Special Session of the NM Legislature, called for the ostensible reason of tax reform, might, just might, include the thorny issue of Congressional redistricting. It all depends if Big Bill will give his blessing.

The Guv earlier said he was tempted to reintroduce the specter of redistricting the state's three Congressional seats as Texas senators holed up in ABQ for a month to avoid giving the Texas R's a quorum to pass their plan. Romero sent out a fundraising and announcement letter earlier (see below:"EXCLUSIVE: Romero DEFINITELY in Congress Race for Wilson Seat"). A Democrat redistricting would boost his chances against incumbent Republican Rep. Heather Wilson. It's a tough decision for the Guv, who has a plate full of problems these days, including the question of his use of state transport, a group of legislators on both sides of the aisle who say the upcoming special session is unnecessary and one senior United States Senator who may have a favor to call in if Big Bill tries to make a move against Heather. The Guv, with national political ambitions, is also cornered by the fear that reopening redistricting here will expose him nationally as a figure of partisanship and division, not the leader of a state unified under the benevolent banner of Big Bill. Who said being Guv was easy?

Romero would also probably have to have the support of Senate Majority leader Manny Aragon to get any redistricting bill passed, and in light of the campaign commercial Romero ran against fellow Democrat Manny in the 2002 election, it's hard to see why Senator Manny would help him out. But one wag told me: "He'd support it (redistricting) because he wants to get rid of Richard." Redistricting in the face of unified GOP opposition would push Bill on a divisive course and would cost Richardson considerable political capital. But redistricting proponents say Bill has already gotten what he can from the R's here and so taking on redistricting would not make much difference. But he will weigh the impact on his national image as well as what it would do to his future political strength. So far, he's done a pretty good job of keeping the GOP at bay, but the recent constitutional amendment election showed cracks in the dam and a move to stiff-arm over redistricting could open the way for total partisanship at the Roundhouse, and again, something Richardson would like to avoid to keep his image in good shape for a run for vice-president or president.

Clearly, the web of interests spun from redistricting would make any spider proud.