Voters to decide who gets coveted power to create lawmakers' districts

[Algorem]

http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/cleveland/index.ssf?/base/news-20/113056045290842.xml&storylist=cleveland

10/29/2005, 12:00 a.m. ET
By JOHN McCARTHY
The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Voters will be asked Nov. 8 to do what the Legislature has rejected for at least three decades — strip elected officials of the power to draw legislative and congressional district lines.

One of four election-related issues on the ballot would give that highly prized authority to a bipartisan board. The other issues would allow any voter to vote by absentee ballot, lower the caps on campaign contributions and replace the secretary of state as the overseer of elections in Ohio.

The power to create districts is the most contentious issue. The party that draws the lines — now the Republicans — can shape public policy for decades by forging districts to include voters favorable to its candidates. The state lottery and income tax were produced with Democrats in control; Republicans' watch brought income tax refunds and restrictions on abortion.

Democrats say the shift in authority would ensure more competitive districts. Republicans say it would create oddly shaped districts that pay little attention to common interests of constituents...

[ohtransplant]

1. This makes sense to me.

I don't think districts could be more gerrymandered or oddly shaped than they already are. It's really to protect incumbents.



"Republicans say it would create oddly shaped districts that pay little attention to common interests of constituents."

Really?

You know - the Governator has come out in favor of this issue. Take it for what it's worth.

[pro_blue_guy]

2. Yep

Don't get me wrong, I like Marcy Kaptur. But I really don't like being in the same district as Lucas County because Toledo is 60 miles away from where I live and of course it gets all of the attention. Not good for the small sliver of land with zip code 44857 in Erie County.

[pro_blue_guy]

3. View the districts.

Here is a link to Ohio's congressional district maps. Although all districts are oddly shaped, click on "House Districts (PDF)" and I think you'll be amazed!

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/ElectionsVoter/OhioElections.aspx?Section=15