August 27, 2005
Redistricting
:In California, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger is promoting a ballot initiative that would have a nonpartisan panel redistrict California’s Congressional districts. In Ohio, Democratic-leaning groups have over 500,000 signatures to add a similar initiative to their ballot this fall. In both cases, political parties that have lost many seats in their state are looking to change rules to change their fortunes. In both cases, this should be encouraged. Twelve of eighteen Representatives from Ohio are Republican. All Congressional elections in the state in 2004 were decided by at least by a thirty percent margin. Yet, statewide, President Bush won by only three percent. Nationwide, most Congressional districts are uncompetitive. In order to have stronger leaders in Washington and a more honest national policy debate, it is essential that Congressional districts are competitive. Both initiatives, even as self serving as they are for state parties, should be encouraged and supported.