FEWER ELECTED COMPLAINTS

posted by Christopher Conover

Just a week ago, when the Independent Redistricting Commission released the maps for the Congressional districts the complaints came quickly. Almost immediately, reporters’ email inboxes were filled with a chorus of GOP complaints. Governor Jan Brewer led the charge calling the Congressional maps, “gerrymandering at its worst.” The Arizona Democratic Party got into the act, calling the reaction from Republicans coordinated

But when the IRC released the legislative maps the reaction was different. This time it was only the Arizona Democrats complaining. They criticized a lack of competitive districts saying that the proposal will allow extremists into office.

No comments from Republican members of Congress, the Legislature, or even Governor were forthcoming. The vote for the legislative maps was 4-1 with one Republican member and two Democrat members of the IRC approving.