Redistricting Round-Up May 16

Redistricting continues to move forward in the Midwest! Here’s some of the latest news from throughout the region, including a plug for Draw the Line Midwest in a CNN.com article.

Draw the Line Midwest mentioned on CNN.com
Midwest Democracy Network’s redistricting campaign, Draw the Line, got some play in a CNN editorial late last week. John Avlon of the Daily Beast contributed a piece on current redistricting practices and a brief history of pay-to-play to keep redistricting favorable for incumbents.  In addition to pointing out many of the problems with redistricting, he also points out some of the reform coalitions from across the country taking action, including Draw the Line Midwest. Avlon closes by saying “Redistricting reform matters. Along with open primaries, the competitive general elections it would create could heal the harsh,  artificial polarization of American politics. It is the reform that could guarantee all others—empowering the vast vital center instead of the extremes.”
 
CNN: The rigged game of redistricting

Michigan

Christina Kuo of Network partner Common Cause Michigan, and a part of the Michigan Redistricting Collaborative and Draw the Line Michigan penned an op-ed for the Livingston Daily on the importance of transparency in the redistricting process. She compares Michigan to other states that have had some public hearings and forums, only to show that Michigan is far behind in terms of openness. The op-ed also gives some concrete steps Michigan’s legislature can take to make the process a little more open, including requiring maps to be available online for 30 days, provide justification for changes in districts, and mandate hearings for public input. The Detroit Free Press also takes a look at redistricting, and shows a proposed “fair” Congressional map.
Also, the Michigan Citizens’ Redistricting Competition deadline has been extended to noon Eastern time on Monday, May 23, 2011. Get those maps in, there is a $1000 prize on the line. See the Michigan Citizens’ Redistricting Competition website for more info, and a webinar on how to use the software.

Livingston Daily: Christina Kuo guest column: Transparency should be higher priority in redistricting
Detroit Free Press: Editorial: How fair congressional boundaries might look
Michigan Citizens Redistricting Competition
Michigan Citizens Redistricting Competition webinar

Minnesota
A Minnesota House panel has approved the proposed new legislative boundaries, which are also expected to pass committee in the Senate. The maps were drawn with minimal public input, and show a heavy partisan gerrymander according to Michael McDonald of George Mason University.  The Bemidji Pioneer is advocating for a change in the process, while the Duluth News Tribune and Pioneer Press outline some of the districts as they are newly drawn. Mike Dean of Network Partner Common Cause Minnesota and Draw the Line Minnesota is quoted in the Duluth News Tribune piece as saying “The process is completely broken right now.”  The governor is expected to veto the maps, which would send the process to the courts.
 
Duluth News Tribune: Our view: Redistricting ripe for reform in Minnesota
Pioneer Press: House panel OKs redistricting plan
Bemidji Pioneer: Let’s find a better method of redistricting
Midwest Democracy Network: Report shows heavy partisan gerrymander in proposed Minnesota maps

Indiana
Last week Indiana became just the third state to complete their redistricting process for the next ten years. Politics are believed to have played a large role in the crafting of the districts, as some Congressional seats currently held by Republicans have become “stronger,” while the state level map also benefited the Republican majority in the legislature. Representative Todd Rokita is blaming fellow Republicans for moving him 500 yards outside of his current district because he proposed shifting the redistricting responsibility to an independent panel while he was Indiana’s Secretary of State.
 
Ballot News: Daniels signs Indiana redistricting plans
The Republic: Politics play big role in redistricting
Chicago Tribune: New maps put Indiana lawmaker’s home outside district

Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, with recall elections inching closer in the Senate, the current Republican controlled legislature might be looking for push forward bills, including a redistricting plan favorable for the party.  Ordinarily redistricting begins on the county and local levels first in Wisconsin, and then moves to the state level based on those new lines.  However, the state GOP might be looking to draw state lines sooner to protect itself in future elections. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel believes this is the wrong way to draw political boundaries and that an independent commission would help voters be more confident in the process.
 
CapTimes: Dems fear GOP will race to redistrict before recall elections
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: The wrong way
 
Illinois
The Chicago Tribune asks the Illinois legislature to see their redistricting map, which is currently in the process of being drawn. The legislature is trying to get the map drawn, proposed, and approved by the end of May. Constitutionally the legislature has until the end of June, but waiting until then would require a supermajority of votes,  which the Democratically controlled legislature is unlikely to have.  Also, the Illinois Republican Party is filing suit to challenge a provision in the state constitution that would draw the deciding vote from a hat, in the case of a tie later in the redistricting process.
 
Chicago Tribune editorial: Let’s see the map

Daily Herald: Illinois GOP files suit challenging remap process