Tuesday, March 1, 2011

The Clarion-Ledger: Redistricting -- Get it done right, once

JACKSON (Tuesday, March 1, 2011) – The Clarion-Ledger chimes in with an editorial today urging lawmakers to redraw House and Senate districts – and avoid a fight that could lead to one set of elections this year in old districts another next year in new ones.

You know, at the risk of sounding repetitive, that’s the exact same message House Speaker Billy McCoy gave in his column that appeared in the Sunday edition of the same newspaper (click here or here to read it in full). Nevertheless, the Ledger makes a good point.


Here are a few excerpts:

In the past, the House and Senate had a "gentlemen's agreement" that they would sign off on the other's plan. Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, a Republican, says that will not be the case this year. House Speaker Billy McCoy, a Democrat, says it appears Republicans are preparing for a court battle.

That would be a mistake both policywise and politically for lawmakers of both parties. If the matter ends up in court, it will cost taxpayers money as well as require lawmakers to run for office this year, then again next after a court comes up with a plan.

That would be irresponsible.

Click here to read the complete editorial.

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