Texas: another party, more time for briefs in redistricting
The Longview News-Journal reports: A judge on the federal panel hearing the Texas redistricting challenges extended the deadline Wednesday for parties to file final arguments before a Jan. 21 hearing in Dallas.
The state, which is defending congressional lines drawn by state lawmakers during three contentious special sessions in 2003, got two of the three weeks it asked for in the extension.
The deadline for final filings was Thursday, but has been extended to Jan. 14, according to the ruling by U.S. District Judge Patrick Higginbotham.
The ruling also welcomes a new party to the fight. The "University Professors" group is represented by Steve Bickerstaff, a former assistant attorney general who unsuccessfully fought off challenges to redrawn lines in the '70s and now represents a group that supports the challengers.
Wednesday's ruling gives the state time to respond to Bickerstaff's arguments, which were not immediately available Thursday. -- Filing deadline in redistricting case delayed by judge