Redistricting in 2010 and the FairDistricts amendments
Was doing a little reading on our district, our favorite House rep. Mr. Boyd , and the upcoming redistricting after the 2010 census.
I didn't know we had a couple amendments coming up that could totally upend how we district the state -
Quote:
FairDistrictsFlorida.org is a nonpartisan group of Florida citizens working to reform the way our state draws legislative and Congressional district lines by establishing constitutionally mandated fairness standards. We aim to stop partisan favoritism and stop politicians from rigging districts to unfairly perpetuate their own political power. Our amendments will give Florida voters a real opportunity to fairly choose their representatives.
FairDistrictsFlorida.org is the sponsor Amendments 5 and 6 which voters will have a chance to approve on November 2! These amendments will establish fairness standards for use in creating legislative and congressional district boundaries. While expressly and carefully protecting minority voting rights, the standards will prohibit drawing district lines to favor or disfavor any incumbent or political party. Districts will have to be compact and utilize existing political and geographical boundaries. In other words, natural competitiveness and fairness will be required
BALLOT SUMMARY: Legislative districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.
Torn on this, I'm not a fan of jerry mandered districts, but it scares me to death to think what effects this might have on our liberal congress this fall. Regardless, I'll probably vote for both amendments. I doubt either will get the 60% needed, but who knows.
Also found this - the state will likely pick up a couple representatives in this cycle. The report also has some detail on the state of the 2nd District -
Boyd has been easily reelected, running unopposed in 2006 and beating Republican Mark Mulligan by twenty-four points in 2008. Boyd has raised over $850,000 in the current campaign cycle, while his closest opponent, Democratic State Senator Alfred Lawson Jr., has raised almost $80,000. A poll from November 2009 showed Lawson to be leading Boyd by about 35-31, within the 4.6% margin of error. While national Republicans have yet to take a significant stand behind any of the several GOP candidates for this seat, it is one of the better chances in the state for the Republicans to gain a seat and so they will likely spend more time and money on the campaign once the primaries are done. Watch for this race to become competitive as the general election approaches, although it seems safe for the Democrats for now.
Boyd, your days are numbered buddy!
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The path to hell is paved with good intentions.
Last edited by 30ashopper; 04-01-2010 at 12:02 PM.
The 8th congressional district is likely to host one of the most competitive house races in the state in 2010. Home to Walt Disney World, the 8th includes parts of Orlando and Orange County in the south and Lake and Marion Counties in the north. While traditionally conservative, the 8th has become more liberal in recent years, as evidenced by its 52% support of Obama in 2008. Its Cook Partisan Voting Index is R+2. The 2002 redistricting changed the 8th district considerably, taking away much of Orange County and putting it in the newly created 24th. Republican Congressman Ric Keller held office from 2000 to 2008, when he lost to Democrat Alan Grayson. Grayson won with fifty-two percent of the vote. In his short time in office, Grayson earned a reputation as an outspoken supporter of President Obama and as a harsh critic of Congressional Republicans’ approach to health care. National GOP party members hope to use this to portray Grayson as an extreme liberal who is out of touch with the fairly moderate district. While Grayson currently has no primary opponents, eight Republicans have entered the race. Grayson has them all beat in fundraising, however, with over $1.5 million raised so far. Grayson raised more in the last three months than any other candidate for the House in the entire country. In Grayson’s race, Republican Armando Gutierrez Jr. has raised the most with about $310,000. Grayson will have a tough race and many are predicting that Republicans will win back this seat, especially in light of the general unhappiness with the Democratic Party at this point.
There's an interesting note about the 8th as well. That whole report makes a really good read.
__________________
The path to hell is paved with good intentions.
Torn on this, I'm not a fan of jerry mandered districts, but it scares me to death to think what effects this might have on our liberal congress this fall. Regardless, I'll probably vote for both amendments. I doubt either will get the 60% needed, but who knows.
Also found this - the state will likely pick up a couple representatives in this cycle. The report also has some detail on the state of the 2nd District -
The Northwest Florida beach communities of South Walton County on the Emerald Coast - from east to west: Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seacrest, Camp Creek, WaterSound Beach, Seagrove Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Dune Allen, Sandestin, Miramar Beach - When you've said SoWal, you've said it all! Directly east is Panama City Beach, and directly west is Destin. Point Washington and Freeport on the bay round out SoWal.
Looking for free SoWal stickers?If you’re not lucky enough to be at the beach, send us the number of stickers you want and a self-addressed stamped envelope to SoWal.com, 174 WaterColor Way #114, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.
, and the upcoming redistricting after the 2010 census.
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