Lines in the Sand: Congressional Redistricting in Texas and the Downfall of Tom DeLay

by Steve Bickerstaff

The events of 2003 in Texas were important to the political history of this country. Congressman Tom DeLay led a Republican effort to gerrymander the state's thirty-two congressional districts to defeat all ten of the Anglo Democratic incumbents and to elect more Republicans; Democratic state lawmakers fled the state in an effort to defeat the plan. The Lone Star State uproar attracted attention worldwide. The Republicans won this showdown, gaining six additional seats from Texas and protecting the one endangered Republican incumbent. Some of the methods used by DeLay to achieve this result, however, led to his criminal indictment and ultimately to his downfall. With its eye-opening research, readable style, and insightful commentary, Lines in the Sand provides a front-line account of what happened in 2003, often through the personal stories of members of both parties and of the minority activist groups caught in a political vortex. Law professor Steve Bickerstaff provides much-needed historical perspective and also probes the aftermath of the 2003 redistricting, including the criminal prosecutions of DeLay and his associates and the events that led to DeLay's eventual resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives. As a result, Bickerstaff graphically shows a dark underside of American politics—the ruthless use of public institutional power for partisan gain.

Genres: Politics

472 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2007

Reviews

[SA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bickerstaff does an excellent job of chronicling the various events and players involved with the 2000 redistricting cycle in Texas. The factual detail provided is meticulous -- it's hard to imagine anyone doing a better job. Additionally, he does a great job of providing historical context along the way.

The book is relatively lengthy at 400 pages. But, it's comprehensive...very little wasted space. At times, I thirsted for more analysis, particularly given Bickerstaff's background. That said, I'm not sure that was the mission of the book.

I think this is essential reading for anyone that will be involved in Texas redistricting in 2010. To not know this history would be a grand faux pas. Personally, I was much more interested in the nuts and bolts aspect of the affair and less concerned with the DeLay portion. But, DeLay's involvment is more than an engaging sub-plot...in fact, it's an inseparable centerpiece that just couldn't be removed from the story.

In sum, it's hard to fathom a more complete and thorough read on redistricting in Texas in the decade of 2000. Furthermore, it's a great illustration of various personalities present in the Texas Legislature and provides substance to their individual personas.

[Nicko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Delay got "The Hammer". Gerrymandering gone awry.

Hardly impartial, THE BIG BUY: HOW TOM DELAY STOLE CONGRESS pretty much describes this book. But, then, it's difficult to find anyone impartial about this sleaze-bag politician who's made a career out of destruction and left even many Texas Republicans dead set on getting rid of him. The book will take you back to those days of yesteryear, when the Texas House Democrats high-tailed it to Oklahoma to prevent DeLay's illegal gerrymandering of their districts. The gerrymandering did eventually take place, even though it is now been officially declared illegal by the judiciary (but of course, the Bush administration has not allowed this fact to be trumpted across the land, as it should be). But DeLay, thank goodness, appears to be a relic of the nasty past. If only more of Republikkkans might join him!