Supreme Court Tackles Political Boundary Case

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court was devoting an unusual two-hour session to the intricacies of political boundary drawing, in a case that could have a major impact on elections and even the balance of power in Congress.

Justices are considering whether a Republican-friendly map promoted by former Majority Leader Tom DeLay is unconstitutional.

The 2003 boundaries approved by the GOP-controlled state Legislature helped the Republican Party pick up six seats in Congress, but it also led to serious woes for DeLay. He was charged in state court with money laundering in connection with fundraising for legislative candidates. He gave up his leadership post and is fighting the charges.

The case was expected to be a difficult one for the justices, who have struggled in the past to define how much politics is acceptable when states draw new boundaries.

Two years ago justices split 5-4 in a ruling that left a narrow opening for challenges claiming party politics overly influenced election maps. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy was the key swing voter in that case and will be closely watched in Wednesday's argument.

Also of interest will be the two newest court members, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito. They replaced the late Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist and Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who had voted to block legal attacks on gerrymandering, the practice of drawing voting districts to favor a political party.

In addition, the court will consider whether the Texas plan violates the Voting Rights Act, which is designed to protect minority voting rights. The Justice Department approved the map over the objections of some staff lawyers.

The Bush administration will share argument time with the state of Texas in defense of the plan.

Minority and Democratic groups had challenged the plan, and the court's intervention to hear their appeals was somewhat of a surprise. The court's ruling is expected before July.

The cases are League of United Latin American Citizens v. Perry, 05-204; Travis County v. Perry, 05-254; Jackson v. Perry, 05-276; GI Forum of Texas v. Perry, 05-439.

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On the Net:

Supreme Court: http://www.supremecourtus.gov/

AP-ES-03-01-06 0307EST