Georgia Dems raise 'serious questions' about GOP redistricting plans

[The Northerner]

Georgia Democrats are crying foul over what they perceive as a Republican takeover of the redistricting process.

State GOP lawmakers on Thursday shifted responsibility for the details of redistricting from the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, which is nonpartisan, to a Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office that will be advised by a Republican lawyer.

Anne W. Lewis, a partner in the firm Strickland Brockington Lewis, will advise the legislative office, according to The Associated Press. Lewis currently serves as general counsel to the Georgia Republican Party.

Democrats from both chambers of the state legislature questioned the move.

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/reapportionment/142141-georgia-dems-raise-serious-questions-about-gop-redistricting-plans-

[liberal N proud]

1. This is why the loses in November were so devastating

Coming soon to any state where the GOP has control of the legislature.

The effects will be felt for decades.

[The Northerner]

2. I couldn't agree more

Considering that the GOP has the political trifecta (one-party control of the governorship & legislature) in many states that are losing/gaining districts such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Texas, Georgia, etc. they'll likely use it to gerrymander districts to decrease progressive influence.

Despite this, they could also possibly overreach like they did in Pennsylvania in 2001.

On the bright side, the Dems have the trifecta in Illinois & Arkansas which could be beneficial to our side.

[Erose999]

3. There are only a handfull of Dems in the state legislature anymore. Theres a growing divide among

the Republicans though, you have the Social cons v/s the Fiscal cons.

Or as I like to call it: Teh Fundie v/s Teh Stingy. LOL

Yep, Dems will soon be re-districted out of existence. My beloved Athens will probably be carved up between its surrounding counties.

[tosh]

4. Add to that all of those post-election defections.

I don't know how many, but there were several Dems that defected to (R) Regressives in the Ga Legislature.:shrug:

edit: Ooops - meant to reply to #1.