[url]http://www.saljournal.com/stories/051403/new_okie2.html[/url]
Texas Democrats commended in Oklahoma House resolution
By JESSICA DICKERSON
Associated Press Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma's Democrat-controlled House of Representatives passed a resolution Tuesday commending Texas Democratic House members who fled that state to stifle redistricting plans they opposed.
A Republican-supported resolution that would encourage Oklahoma officials to assist Texas officials in returning the errant lawmakers to Texas failed.
The resolution commending the lawmakers, by Rep. David Braddock, D-Altus, came after dozens of Texas Democrats fled Austin, Texas, after discussing ways to derail a Republican plan to redraw Texas' congressional districts.
The absence of 58 Democrats on Monday left the 150-member Texas House short of the two-thirds quorum needed to conduct business.
The rebellious Democrats holed up in an Ardmore hotel.
The House resolution commends the courage of the Texas Democrats who "have decided to defend the rights of the minority and the more pressing needs of Texas families."
The resolution charges that a Texas congressman and the majority leadership of the House are more concerned with adding Republican members to Congress than the educational, health and other needs of Texas families.
The Democrats earlier blamed Republican U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay for interfering with redistricting.
"I don't think they're breaking their oath of office," Braddock said of the Texas Democrats. "I think they're all fulfilling it by trying to meet the needs of those that have no voice."
Some House members were concerned that a similar move could occur in Oklahoma if the House supports the Texas lawmakers.
Braddock responded by saying members of the Oklahoma House are better at working together than their Texas counterparts.
The resolution, HR 1020, passed 47-44.
Another resolution, by Rep. Greg Piatt, R-Ardmore, requested that Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, Commissioner of Public Safety Bob Ricks, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other law enforcement officials assist Texas officials in returning the errant lawmakers to Texas.
Braddock commented that he wanted the Texas Democrats to stay in Oklahoma.
"This is economic development at its best," he quipped. "We want Texans coming to spend their money in Oklahoma."
The resolution, HR 1019, failed 50-46.
The resolutions do not have the force of law.
In a humorous moment, Rep. Ron Kirby, D-Lawton, read a proposal to grant Texas legislators political amnesty, welcome them to Oklahoma and grant them the honorary title of "Okie."
The proposal also called for a Cub Scout troop to be dispatched to the Red River to protect Oklahoma's border from Texas Rangers.
The idea met with laughter from most, with an occasional "boo."
Earlier Tuesday, Henry said he welcomed the Texas lawmakers, but was "not going to get embroiled in this political fight."
Republican State Chairman Gary Jones criticized Henry for allowing Oklahoma to become a safe haven for the Texas Democrats.
"These Democrat legislators south of our border are wasting taxpayers' money," Jones said. "They are behaving in an obstructionist manner and it's a publicity stunt, plain and simple. I'm embarrassed Gov. Henry and our Democrat-controlled House of Representatives would condone such a childish stunt."