I’m watching a live feed of Senator Wendy Davis’ filibuster in the Texas Senate against what would be the most restrictive abortion rules in the nation. The special session that Rick Perry called to rubber stamp last year’s redistricting was hijacked to put forward some of the red meat issues GOP pols want to wave at voters in next year’s primary elections.
(See it here:http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/live-stream-talking-filibuster-texas-senate)


In the House debate over this bill, Houston hero Rep. Senfronia Thompson offered an amendment providing exceptions to the bill for cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother. She spoke holding a coathanger in her hand. The GOP- dominated House of course defeated this amendment.

Senator Davis is nine hours in the filibuster now, less than three hours away from running out the clock on this special session. She’s still on her feet; her voice strong, her message lucid. Now Governor Perry can, if he cares to, call another special session to address this “emergency,” (which 80% of Texans polled don’t want the Legislature to meddle with.) Perry may decide that it’s in his interest to do so; that it will enhance his status as he prepares for another re-election campaign and perhaps another run at the White House in 2016.

Some in Texas have been talking about drafting Senator Davis to run for Governor. She has a compelling life story and a solid record of public service. This filibuster can only help raise her profile. Wouldn’t it be sweet if Rick Perry were to win this battle only to lose the election next year to a record turnout of Texas women and rising tide of Democratic voters.