Here we go again. You know how states, including Florida, have those bizarrely convoluted congressional districts that mainly serve to perpetuate political incumbents?
There is no panacea when it comes to finding a formula to draw fair, reasonable districts. The nature of the political process precludes it.
But some anti-gerrymander efforts are better than others. Last year the government watchdog Common Cause tried addressing it by creating a “non-partisan” commission to do the district drawing. But it couldn’t get it on the ballot.
Now Common Cause is back with plans for the 2010 ballot. Call it “Redistricting Lite.” This time it won’t even tilt at the “non-partisan” windmill. It would merely ask (ok, “mandate”) lawmakers to draw compact districts without concern for the political ramifications.
As if.