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AZ Week Notebook entry

AZ REDISTRICTING: LEGISLATIVE MAP COMING SOON

Few people seemed happy with the results of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission's first major effort, the congressional district draft map.

Now comes the opportunity for more unhappiness, in reaction to its efforts at a legislative district draft map, due any day now.

The commission voted 3-1, with one abstention, last week on the draft congressional map. Independent commission Chair Colleen Mathis and Democrats Jose Herrera and Linda McNulty voted in favor; Republican Richard Stertz voted against; Republican Scott Freeman abstained.

Republicans seemed the most furious over the draft map. Gov. Jan Brewer led the way, issuing a statement that called the map "gerrymandering at its worst" and accusing the commission of "neglect of duty and gross misconduct.” She threatened to go to the Legislature to seek removal of commission chair Mathis.

Latino leaders in Tucson also expressed dismay at the splitting of Tucson's community. A group called the Hispanic Coalition for Good Government wrote a letter to the commission, saying the draft congressional map means "Pima County's Hispanic community will have virtually no opportunity to elect a candidate of their (sic) choice."

Based strictly on voter registration, the new map would estasblish four strong Republican districts, two strong Democratic districts and three competitive districts.

The 2010 election gave Republicans five of Arizona's eight congressional seats and Democrats three. That's a reversal from the 2008 election in which Democrats had five and Republicans three.

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About AZ Week Notebook

News and commentary from Arizona Week producer/host Michael Chihak and interns Melanie Huonker and Lucy Valencia.