Introducing the Legislative Redistricting Board:
All On The Line started this series to shine a light on the shadowy backroom board of politicians who might wrest complete control of the state legislative redistricting process right before important elections in 2022.

Now, we're diving deep into each member who sits on the board and some relevant political history of these men (they're all men) who would try to gerrymander maps behind closed doors. First up: Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick -- one of the most hostile opponents of universal vote-by-mail.

Who is LRB member Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and why is he a threat to fair maps?

You might know Lt. Gov. Patrick from his recent callous claims that "there are more important things than living" when discussing the need to re-open Texas's economy amidst the current public health crisis.

Think protecting big business and turning profits is the only thing Patrick prioritizes over public health? Guess again. Undercutting democracy seems like another one. It's no surprise that he'd rather suppress votes than treat the risks of this pandemic with the thought and planning needed. Just take a look at his comments on universal vote-by-mail. Patrick said, "if they get it, it's the end of democracy."

He's made it clear that he's willing to cheat voters of their rights during elections just so his party can win -- which makes us believe he will do the same when alone in a backroom with only four other like-minded politicians during the redistricting process.

As we ramp up our outreach efforts to prevent unaccountable, ideological partisan politicians in states like Texas from manipulating the maps, can we count on you to chip in to help sustain our efforts for the battle ahead?

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What do Lt. Gov. Patrick's GOP colleagues think of him?

Lt. Gov. Patrick's colleagues have openly rebuked him time and time again. One example? Texas State Sen. John Carona (R) wrote to Patrick, "I've never been shy about sharing my dislike and distrust of you. Put bluntly, I believe you are a snake oil salesman, a narcissist that would say anything to draw attention to himself." And that's coming from a member of his own party!

Snake oil salesman? Narcissist? Having a guy with that sort of reputation in executive leadership must be tiring. But there's so much more at stake: we can't let someone with that demeanor taint the next decade of Texas's legislative maps.

Here's why this matters

All five members of the board are currently conservative Republicans like Patrick.

Putting them in a room to redraw the maps probably isn't going to work out well for the people of Texas. The board will likely try to manipulate the maps with no transparency, oversight, or accountability. It's a recipe sure to result in conservative control for at least another decade. Let that sink in -- then help us fight back!

All On The Line's success depends on educating people about these sorts of smoke-filled backrooms -- and stopping them early by bringing light and transparency into the process. Will you chip in to help us reach more people and let them know that the time to fight back in states like Texas starts now?

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As always, thanks for being a part of this,
-- The AOTL Team



All On The Line is the grassroots advocacy campaign supported by the National Redistricting Action Fund. Support our work to end gerrymandering.

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