But when the House voted to boost the minimum wage for workers making less than the federal minimum, Republicans cast all 66 votes against the bill. Republicans cast the only opposing votes when House and Senate committees approved the hate crimes bill this year. Republicans cast the only No votes when the Senate approved a proposal to ban the use of racial profiling by police. Of course not. Republicans say they deserve more seats because they hold more statewide offices a claim easily refuted by the fact that Democrats have won in many legislative and Congressional districts carried by Republicans at the top of the ticket in recent years.
Democrats still hold a sizeable majority of local offices across the state.
Republicans claim that they received 60 percent of the statewide Congressional vote when in reality they won less than 53 percent of that vote in 2000 and 51 percent in 1998. Moreover, the statewide vote ratios they use are rendered meaningless by vast demographic differences and the factors driving turnout around the state. Districts are based on population not the number of eligible voters and whether or not they turn out to vote. Democrats hold majorities in the state House and in the Congressional delegation because many Texans split their ticket when they vote and because Texas Democrats have better candidates who win in competitive districts. Growth Strong population growth in South Texas and in major metropolitan areas strengthens the Democratic argument for a fair redistricting plan.