San Antonio Express News

Our Country Needs Redistricting Reform

August 11, 2008

The next census is only two years away, and redistricting in 2011 will follow it.

The specter of another round of depressing partisan haggling to redraw political lines, particularly congressional districts, is fueling a renewed national push for redistricting reform.

Gerrymandered districts are one of the most detrimental diseases afflicting modern politics.

Instead of giving voters a real choice in competitive districts, politicians of both parties draw lines to serve their partisan interests by packing districts and giving voters less reason to participate in the democratic process.

Packed districts also allow the extremes in both political parties to gain more control over the legislative process at all levels and disenfranchise middle-of the-road Americans whose main goal is effective government.

The new push is being led by the nonpartisan Americans for Redistricting Reform, a diverse coalition with members of varying political philosophies.

The common bond among the organizers is a desire to reduce political self-interest in the redistricting process and give average people more voice.

Members of the organization recently sent a letter to congressional leaders urging support of redistricting reform measures, including a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. John Tanner, D-Tenn., and Rep. Zack Wamp, R-Tenn.

Of course, Congress isn't likely to approve the needed reform in the closing weeks of an election year session, but now is the time to push lawmakers and candidates to take a stand for fairness.

The next Congress will be in office in the final session before the post-census round of redistricting.

Reformers say the changes should include the creation of independent commissions to draw congressional lines in each state and the prohibition of mid-decade redistricting unless ordered by a court.

Independent commissions, such as the one repeatedly proposed in Texas by San Antonio Republican state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, would take the process out of the hands of elected officials and significantly reduce the partisan influence.

State ballot initiatives around the nation, such as recent reform attempts in California and Ohio, have failed, but supporters note that regional political factors had more to do with the defeats than the concept of instituting independent commissions.

Federal legislation to fix the congressional process would be a huge step forward, and leaders should grant hearings on the bills pending in the House Judiciary Committee.

At home, voters should pressure federal and state candidates to support the reforms while they are on the campaign trail.

Pushing selfish partisanship away from redistricting levers is a crucial step in returning clout to average Americans and ensuring that elections draw more participation.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/our_country_needs_redistricting_reform100.html