It seems at least one Texas Democrat has decided that the majority rules, and has ended his "exile" in New Mexico, likely giving Republicans the quorum they need to push through a fair redistricting plan.

[If you're unfamiliar with the background of this situation, check here and here.]

In the New York Times story, Democrat New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson makes an amazingly laughable threat.

In Santa Fe, N.M., Gov. Bill Richardson, who offered sanctuary to the Texans, cautioned the Republicans that their "big power grab" in Texas might impel him to put redistricting before New Mexico's special legislative session in October. "I don't want to use it as a threat," Mr. Richardson said. "It's just an option."

Some facts to consider:

1. New Mexico has 3 representatives -- 2 Republicans and 1 Democrat

2. Any possible gerrymandering would only net Democrats 1 seat. (It's highly improbable that you could get rid of both GOP seats -- but I don't know enough about New Mexico's political situation to be 100 percent sure.)

3. Under the Texas plan, you can be sure that the GOP will gain far more than 1 House seat -- so if Richardson means the threat to scare the national GOP back in Washington, he's mistaken.