Redfern promises fight over new congressional districts (OH Redistricting)

[Khephra]

Redfern promises fight over new congressional districts

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COLUMBUS -- House Democratic Leader Chris Redfern said Wednesday he will fight a Texas-style plan some Republicans are pushing to carve up Northeast Ohio into new congressional districts.

"This is a blatant partisan stunt that would set a terrible precedent," said Rep. Redfern, D-Catawba Island. "This is the height of political arrogance, and it reflects the inherent unfairness of one-party rule," Redfern said.

"These congressional districts are only eight months old. Ohioans have barely had a chance to get acquainted with their new members of Congress - and now some Republicans are concocting a scheme to take those members away, all in the crass pursuit of political power."

Redfern's reaction was prompted by a report in Wednesday's Washington Post that some Republicans are circulating plans to redraw the lines in Ohio.

more............

http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/news/stories/20030823/localnews/117717.html

[goobergunch]

1. Anybody know what the new map would look like?

I need to know how badly it hurts us before I determine how angry I get...but it will at least get one :grr: on the anger-meter.

[shockandawed]

9. Here is how it will look

If it is Delay special, here is how it will work. (It's what they are doing here in Austin)

1. Any present democrat's home will be drawn out of his home district forcing him to move if he wants to run again.

2. Any democratic district will be cut in half, then added to a gerrymandered district that is 55% Republicans.

3. Any democratic town that is a stronghold will now be represented by three districts.

[Aaron]

2. Maybe Davis should be to redistrict the Repub's completely

out of CA. Anyone know how many seats they have down there?

[goobergunch]

5. 33-20 Dem advantage...

but a 2/3rds vote in the legislature is needed to redistrict.

[Aaron]

6. Oh well. It was a fun idea while it lasted. Ty for the info (n/t)

[AWD]

3. I've spoken to a lawyer

If it affects the district I am running in in any way, I can sue the legislature to stop the redistricting.

I've already filed, and have made specific plans for my campaign in the area already designated. I have a very detailed plan of attack, and if one house is added or taken away, I can claim hardship and sue.

Not bad, huh???

[Khephra]

7. Great planning!

:toast:

[shockandawed]

8. Keep it up

you are a true american

[goobergunch]

4. I checked the Beacon-Journal, and it's unlikely that this will go through

Taft, GOP scrap redistricting plans

Lawmakers' strategies would have targeted Democrats in Northeast Ohio
Associated Press

Gov. Bob Taft and top Republican legislative leaders indicated Thursday that plans to change the map of Ohio's congressional districts are unlikely to get much attention in the General Assembly.

``We were very proud of the fact that our map didn't come under legal challenge. We got it right. Why go back?'' said Maggie Mitchell, spokeswoman for Senate President Doug White, R-Manchester.

Republicans from Northeast Ohio had been shopping around plans to redraw the lines that would target the districts of U.S. Reps. Sherrod Brown of Lorain and Dennis Kucinich of Lakewood, both Democrats.

<snip>

GOP House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, also nixed the plan, which means a bill to redraw the lines will have little chance of passage at the Statehouse.

more...http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/news/state/6591568.htm