AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Attorneys for minority groups are criticizing the makeup of four new Texas congressional seats.
They’re arguing before a three-judge panel in San Antonio that the new map illegally dilutes minority voting strength and new districts don’t fairly reflect the demographics of the new population. Texas is getting new seats because of mostly Hispanic population growth.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says the map maintains or increases minority voting power. Critics say Republicans in the Legislature are playing games with numbers to make it easier for more Republicans to be elected.
The trial could last nine days. Proceedings have been sped up to meet several election deadlines before the March 2012 primary.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)