Julie Harris - Texas Democrats Flee

PRITZKER SAYS TEXAS DEMOCRATS WHO FLED STATE WILL BE PROTECTED AMID ARREST THREATS Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said that the state would protect Texas Democrats who fled to the Prairie State over GOP efforts to redraw the Lone Star State’s congressional maps. “They’re here in Illinois. We’re going to do everything we can to protect every single one of them and make sure that — ’cause we know they’re doing the right thing, we know that they’re following the law,” Pritzker told reporters at a press conference Sunday night held alongside the Texas state lawmakers. “It’s Ken Paxton who doesn’t follow the law. It’s the leaders of Texas who are attempting not to follow the law,” he continued. “They’re the ones that need to be held accountable.” The Illinois governor’s comments came after Texas Democrats left their state to deny their GOP counterparts a quorum, or the minimum number of lawmakers needed to conduct business, during their special session. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called the special session in part to push forward a new congressional map that would give Republicans five more pick-up opportunities, something President Trump has been pushing for as the GOP braces for a potentially challenging midterm election next year. A Texas House panel on Saturday advanced the set of maps, teeing them up for a vote on the House floor. Because Republicans enjoy majorities in both chambers and hold the governor’s mansion, the maps are all but assured to pass. National Federation of Republican Women President JULIE HARRIS