Sunday, July 11, 2010

Less gerrymandering + more Representatives = better government?
Miller-McCune Online February 23, 2010
by Emily Badger Do gerrymanders come in shades of red and blue
Scholars assess whether the widely accepted notion that the current political polarization in the U.S. is due in part to ’safe’ political districts is accurate.

Miller-McCune Online September 17, 2009
by Lee Drutman Is the House of Representatives too small?
The U.S. House of Representatives has been at 435 members since 1911, when the country was a third of its current population. Research suggests that districts may now be getting too big for adequate representation.
Unique Last Chance?
IOWA

Chicago Tribune July 11, 2010
Lawmakers launch unique redistricting [that most Iowans ratify]
by Mike Glover
In Iowa, the issue is settled by the Legislative Services Agency, a nonpartisan group of lawyers and economists who draft bills, offer financial projections and give other technical advice to the Legislature. And they don't talk publicly about their recommendations.

Virginia
Richmond Times Dispatch July 11, 2010 Last Chance
Staff Reports writes:
Although the history of these exercises almost compels cynicism, as noted above, we are not ready to raise the white flag. With gusto we embrace the efforts of the Virginia Redistricting Coalition, whose members include numerous distinguished individuals from inside professional politics....
July 4th passes & still no redistricting reform; Aug. 4th deadline looms
Ohio
Ohio Legislators went back to their (probably) gerrymandered districts without passing necessary redistricting reform legislation. They have until August 4th, to pass a redistricting reform bill. But, they have to return to work. Ohio Impact - Political Accountability for Citizens Today has links to more information and recent headlines.

Wisconsin
In this opinion item posted on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the authors write :
As the charcoals cool and the fireworks fade after another Independence Day celebration of our ideals of freedom and equality, a specter remains: the gerrymander, poised to deny voters an equal voice in their elections for yet another decade.
read more by Krist Novoselic and Rob Richie
Redistricting need not be political blood sport

Florida
Fair Districts Florida.org listed as the Sponsor of Amendments 5 and 6 on the Florida 2010 General Election ballot had to be pleased their proposed amendment survived another court challenge.
Judge tosses out Legislature's bid on redistricting
July 7, 2010 Miami Herald by By Marc Caputo and Lee Logan wrote:
....Critics of Florida's system point out that Republicans control almost two-thirds of the Legislature and three-fifths of U.S. House seats, but registered Republicans are about 36 percent of the electorate.

National
Next is another opinion item by Michael McDonald and Micah Altman posted on the Washington Post July 9, 2010.
In Pulling back the curtain on redistricting

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Redistricting Information Links
Redistricting Reform in the States: June 2010 Fair Vote The Center for Voting and Democracy

Redistricting Brennan Center For Justice

Apportionment Projections Polidata

Redistricting in America A State-by-State Analysis Rose Institute of State and Local Government

110th Congressional Districts National Atlas

List of United States Congressional Districts Wikipedia

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It's not the size of the dog in the fight that matters........ it's the size of the fight in the dog that determines the winner. Mark Twain