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“More than a dozen lawsuits were filed. Several have been consolidated into the case in San Antonio. At the same time, the state of Texas requested that a Washington, D.C. federal court assess whether the new maps are in compliance with the Voting Rights Act. Traditionally, state officials have gone directly to the U.S. Justice Department to get federal clearance.

Judges in the two main federal cases are expected to rule later this year but legal wrangling could stretch into 2013 if either case is appealed to the Supreme Court.District Judge Orlando Garcia confirmed this week that the San Antonio trial will begin Tuesday and conclude by Sept. 16.

The congressional and state Senate plans are drawing the most attention with North Texas districts playing a prominent role in the legal back and forth.

Regarding the Senate map, much of the debate is focused on District 10, represented by Davis. Critics allege that Democratic-leaning minority communities were moved out of the district and into ones where their votes will be drowned out to ensure a Republican can defeat Davis next year.

Last month, Davis and Veasey received permission to intervene in the federal pre-clearance review of the state Senate plans in Washington, D.C.

“They basically have a seat at the table,” Davis spokesman Anthony Spangler said. “They can call witnesses. They can file motions.”

Davis sat on a conference call with Department of Justice officials about redistricting this week, Spangler said. She had planned to fly to Washington, D.C. for an in-person meeting but her flight was canceled due to Hurricane Irene, he said.”