Thousands of protesters rally against congressional redistricti

AUSTIN, Texas -- Thousands gathered Saturday to rally against a Republican push to redraw state congressional lines and in favor of the Democratic state senators who fled to New Mexico to scuttle the effort.

The people of Texas said no once Republicans started drawing the maps, said protester Ginger McGilvray. "They said no with a strong voice and they didn't listen. So here we are, standing out here ... to show that we mean it."

Despite muggy temperatures that neared 100 degrees, between 2,000 and 4,000 protesters rallied at the Capitol and cheered relatives of the 11 Democrats holed up in an Albuquerque hotel. Their absence has brought the Senate to a standstill because the 31-member chamber needs two-thirds of its members present to conduct business.

Several protesters chanted "Recall Rick," referring to Republican Gov. Rick Perry, who has called two special sessions to take up congressional redistricting. The first effort failed after House Democrats fled to Oklahoma.

Federal judges drew the current boundaries after lawmakers failed to come up with their own map in 2001.

Democrats argue they are not constitutionally required to redraw the lines, and that proposed maps would disenfranchise minorities and rural Texas.

Democrats currently hold a 17-15 advantage in the state's congressional delegation.

A handful of Republicans attended the rally to voice support for the redistricting effort.

"Republicans voted for governor, lieutenant governor, Texas Senate, Texas House and Texas resident President Bush is commander in chief," said Dana Petroni. "Redistricting is a legislative process not a judicial process."