| Maps have a few more hurdles, but should stand up
by Brian Leubitz
Well, the vote was due on August 15, but why not go ahead and figure out how things are going to go early? Apparently, the maps, viewable here, are set to have sufficient votes.
New legislative, congressional and Board of Equalization boundaries were tentatively approved today by California's Citizen Redistricting Commission, ending months of hearings, public comments and debate.
Final action will be taken Aug. 15 on the maps, which are expected to be used for next year's statewide races.
The 53-district congressional plan nearly was killed by Republicans, receiving no votes from GOP members Michael Ward and Jodie Filkins Webber. Three other Republicans on the panel gave the maps thumbs up.(SacBee)
The CRP will likely sue to block implementation, as well any number of other smaller groups, but any major changes seem unlikely. Perhaps a border here or there, but the CRP isn't all that likely to get the wholesale changes they are looking for. While a 2/3 majority in both houses seems a stretch, I think you'd have to say that these maps make at least somewhat more likely.
One more thing, I must now admit that I was wrong that the commission would not be able to come up with an agreed upon map. Well, it appears that I was wrong, and that the commission was able to find consensus. How quaint. |
