Leaving the state capital, and then leaving the state, to deny the majority party a legislative quorum to do outrageous things is not a new tactic in Texas politics . In 2003 Republicans suddenly decided to conduct a second congressional redistricting way off schedule to boost the GOP’s odds of controlling the House. Democrats left Austin to protest the audacious move, which eventually succeeded after a standoff of about a month. This gambit has now returned as Democratic lawmakers absconded to Illinois and New York on the eve of a special session to rush through a new, heavily gerrymandered congressional map demanded by Donald Trump . Their temporary lodgings in safely blue states are designed to thwart arrest warrants that will be issued instantly demanding their return. The id

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