Rep. Percy Watson (D - Hattiesburg) speaks against Denny map

Rep. Percy Watson: I'm not going to try to convince anyone to vote any which way on the Denny map.  I can almost predict what the vote is going to be. I've been through reapportionment so many times I can't remember.  Recalls redistricting 20 odd years ago when the Speaker told him "you can have all the districts you want, so long as you give us those skinny-legged white boys." (Not really sure what this meant.) If we're going to have real and significant power in this body, we have to work together.  37 folks haven't ever passed a bill.  This map goes directly against white Democrats in an effort to diminish the power and influence of African-Americans.  You're not going to see another portrait (of an African-American chairman) downstairs in the Ways & Means committee room under this plan.