With a federal court deadline just hours away, a few minority
groups and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott have agreed to a
compromise set of interim redistricting maps for the 2012
election that would create Hispanic-opportunity districts in two
of the state's four new congressional districts.  "Even though
these proposed interim maps aren't fully supported by all
interest groups, modifications have been incorporated based on
requests made by all parties," Abbott said in a statement.
"Today's maps should allow the court to finalize the interim
redistricting maps in time to have elections in April."
Abbott's office said the deal had been worked out with the
Latino Redistricting Task Force, which includes the Mexican
American Legislative Caucus, League of United Latin American
Citizens, and Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
However a key LULAC lawyer denied that any deal was in the
works.  "There will not be an agreement ... There is no
agreement," said Luis Vera, an attorney for LULAC.  He