I agree with your central premise here: the Democrats should have supported that plan. It’s not the very best way to approach redistricting, in my view, but it’s considerably better than the status quo. It was cynical and foolish of them not to support that plan.

I disagree, however,that their failure to do so somehow justifies the blatant partisan gerrymandering that’s taking place now. It was wrong in 1971 and 1981, it’s wrong today, and it’ll be wrong in 2021. The failure to pass the Husted plan was a mistake, but it doesn’t justify partisan gerrymandering.

In past years, you would be correct. But the fact is that today the GOP, while it holds power is offering the same Husted legislation as it offered when they were not in power. This legislation may not be perfect, but it would go a long way to end the practice. This is unusual for a group in power to give up part of their power. They realize that no one knows who will be in charge in 2021 and now is the time to compromise.

Dave

I think I’ll read this side from now on. She’s angry.

But in the larger perspective, I didn’t hear Democrats calling for a fairer scheme when they controlled most districts over the last 100 years. They’re only whining because they’re losing. I doubt there was ever a newspaper debate on this issue when redistricting favored Democrats.