Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Redrawing the Map
Take a look at this dramatic reworking of Tennessee's congressional districts, which would leave the Republicans with an 8-1 advantage for the state's House seats.
It certainly wouldn't be uncalled for - the Tennessee GOP has been on the short end of the stick when it comes to redistricting for over 120 years - but I just can't see something this radical coming out of John Ryder's hands (the National Committeeman and Memphis attorney who has been itching to "have the pen after 2010"). I don't think that Marsha Blackburn (who now has plenty of seniority in the Tennessee delegation, second only to Jimmy Duncan) would like it because it strips off a bunch of reliable GOP areas and increases the amount of money she would have to use on television buys by adding in the Paducah affiliates. Plus, while I am all for dividing up the growing liberal base of Davidson County, it would be a tough sell to some Republicans there, not least of whom could be new Speaker Beth Harwell.
Just food for thought. I will say this - if you're looking for a simpler map than what we currently have, you are likely to be disappointed. Good conservative folks have worked too hard for too long to simply fritter away the chance to make Tennessee a red state for the next generation (or longer).
(Hat Tip: Post Politics)
It certainly wouldn't be uncalled for - the Tennessee GOP has been on the short end of the stick when it comes to redistricting for over 120 years - but I just can't see something this radical coming out of John Ryder's hands (the National Committeeman and Memphis attorney who has been itching to "have the pen after 2010"). I don't think that Marsha Blackburn (who now has plenty of seniority in the Tennessee delegation, second only to Jimmy Duncan) would like it because it strips off a bunch of reliable GOP areas and increases the amount of money she would have to use on television buys by adding in the Paducah affiliates. Plus, while I am all for dividing up the growing liberal base of Davidson County, it would be a tough sell to some Republicans there, not least of whom could be new Speaker Beth Harwell.
Just food for thought. I will say this - if you're looking for a simpler map than what we currently have, you are likely to be disappointed. Good conservative folks have worked too hard for too long to simply fritter away the chance to make Tennessee a red state for the next generation (or longer).
(Hat Tip: Post Politics)
Labels: Redistricting, TN GOP
Permalink posted by Rob Huddleston @ 12:43 AM 
Comments:
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Rob, I was really hoping for all of Jefferson County back in District 1-there is sentiment here for that among GOP activists. Is that snaky, windy gerrymander over in West Tennessee supposed to be CD-8?
I think it would be nice to be on the receiving end of Gerrymandering after being so long on the other.
However I do not think I like Gerrymandering it seems undermine democracy. Maybe that is because my three elected officials more then likely vote the opposite of what I want.
You can imagine someone who is resident just on the edge of some district might find the policies of the neighboring district to be more pertinent to his life and his location. Thus I ponder what would it be like if we allowed voters to choose where their votes count. Either in the district they are resident in, or any one of the neighboring districts.
However I do not think I like Gerrymandering it seems undermine democracy. Maybe that is because my three elected officials more then likely vote the opposite of what I want.
You can imagine someone who is resident just on the edge of some district might find the policies of the neighboring district to be more pertinent to his life and his location. Thus I ponder what would it be like if we allowed voters to choose where their votes count. Either in the district they are resident in, or any one of the neighboring districts.
Dave -
It's hard to tell, but I think that is TN-8. I wish they have more clearly labeled the districts. 1-4 are pretty easy to deduce. After that, it's quite a bit more difficult.
Mike -
The deal is that someone has to draw the districts. I suppose my answer to someone who wanted their vote to be with a more favorable candidate in another neighboring district would be - if it's that important to you, MOVE.
In today's society, I seriously doubt that anyone would move, or, at the most, a fraction of 1% would even entertain the thought.
Cheers,
Rob
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It's hard to tell, but I think that is TN-8. I wish they have more clearly labeled the districts. 1-4 are pretty easy to deduce. After that, it's quite a bit more difficult.
Mike -
The deal is that someone has to draw the districts. I suppose my answer to someone who wanted their vote to be with a more favorable candidate in another neighboring district would be - if it's that important to you, MOVE.
In today's society, I seriously doubt that anyone would move, or, at the most, a fraction of 1% would even entertain the thought.
Cheers,
Rob
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