Justice John Paul Stevens talking about elections

[La_Serpiente]

is on CSpan talking about elections right now. However, it started quite awhile ago.

http://www.c-span.org/watch/index.asp?Cat=TV&Code=CS&ShowVidDays=30&ShowVidDesc=

that's a link, but it is almost over.

[TennesseeWalker]

1. What's he saying?

[La_Serpiente]

2. Well, he is taking questions from the audience now

He is talking about gerrymandering right now. He is also talking about the polarization in this country. He said he has never seen in so much polarization and that there is less cooperation and more fighting. He believes that the reason why it is so polarized is because of the political gerrymandering that only allowes ideologues instead of people who wants to compromise.

THIS IS IMPORTANT because the Supreme Court will be taking a case this upcoming session on political gerrymandering in Pennsylvania.

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. I hope he doesn't gerrymander himself out of serving on the bench.

Shouldn't he keep his opinions mum if there is an issue he might rule over in the near future?

[La_Serpiente]

6. No, it's not a problem

I remember Nadine Strossen of the ACLU and Justice Scalia had a debate here in Hawaii on issues regarding the Constitution.

Plus, Justice Kennedy speaks out against the mandatory sentences.

[UCLA02]

8. I know Kennedy just spoke against MMs recently...

But didn't he also vote to uphold the Three Strikes law? Doesn't sound too consistent to me.

I know a bit off-topic, but I was just wondering...

[UCLA02]

4. What about Texas?

Is there anybody challenging the DeLay gerrymandering coup down there? Is it able to be challenged?

[La_Serpiente]

5. Yes, there is

However, it hasn't been ruled on yet.

[UCLA02]

7. Is someone taking it to Fed Ct?

Or would that need to start at TX State Ct.?

I know that Federal courts have automatic jurisdiction over election issues (first-year Civil Procedure stuff), but is this not a state issue determined by the Legislature?

[La_Serpiente]

9. Umm....I'm not sure.