Daniel Weiser is arguably the most powerful Dallas political figure who never sought elected office.
A statistician, he was a leader in ending the poll tax and bringing single-member districts to city and county and state elections. In 1973, he took his Texas redistricting argument to the U.S. Supreme Court and won.
He helped clear a path to public office for minorities, women and gays.
During his 55 years in politics he became a respected and sought-after authority on voter demographics.
Weiser, 81, died Saturday of heart disease at Medical City Dallas Hospital.
Condolences to his family.