We can be happy about this, but we need to be prepared for what the GOP will do here next--they'll fight this to the bitter end and there's a lot that their gerrymandered legislature can do.
Does the Wisconsin process specifically allow the court to step in and draw the district lines itself?Because the Republicans will inevitably submits a map that still violates the law, or flaunt the law entirely and simply refuse to submit any maps. In Ohio the legislature just said "screw you, we'll run out the clock - our courts have no right under the law to draw the district lines so you can't do anything about it." So I believe that Ohio is still running elections under illegal maps.
Thankfully the court in Wisconsin ordered the two parties in the legislature to agree on a map together or face a court-drawn map. Given the lean of the court, Republicans have incentive to agree to a fair map before having one imposed on them last month, seeing the writing on the wall and hoping to preempt a verdict, they suggested that the state draw an Iowa-style map, which has been historically pretty even and nonpartisan.
You’re right about the Ohio GOP’s treachery, though, and it’s why I’m hopeful that they can finally get a truly independent process established with their latest constituonal amendment, which should be on the ballot next November. This time, they won’t be allowing the GOP legislature to write the amendment and dictate the redistricting process prescribed therein.
I'm so happy my grad school state of Wisconsin is returning to its roots as I experienced them starting in 1968 and making Madison a great place to live -
Phenomenal reporting this year! Grateful for your work
I love happy endings!
We can be happy about this, but we need to be prepared for what the GOP will do here next--they'll fight this to the bitter end and there's a lot that their gerrymandered legislature can do.
Does the Wisconsin process specifically allow the court to step in and draw the district lines itself?Because the Republicans will inevitably submits a map that still violates the law, or flaunt the law entirely and simply refuse to submit any maps. In Ohio the legislature just said "screw you, we'll run out the clock - our courts have no right under the law to draw the district lines so you can't do anything about it." So I believe that Ohio is still running elections under illegal maps.
Thankfully the court in Wisconsin ordered the two parties in the legislature to agree on a map together or face a court-drawn map. Given the lean of the court, Republicans have incentive to agree to a fair map before having one imposed on them last month, seeing the writing on the wall and hoping to preempt a verdict, they suggested that the state draw an Iowa-style map, which has been historically pretty even and nonpartisan.
You’re right about the Ohio GOP’s treachery, though, and it’s why I’m hopeful that they can finally get a truly independent process established with their latest constituonal amendment, which should be on the ballot next November. This time, they won’t be allowing the GOP legislature to write the amendment and dictate the redistricting process prescribed therein.
I'm so happy my grad school state of Wisconsin is returning to its roots as I experienced them starting in 1968 and making Madison a great place to live -
Thank you for the summary. Lots to be hopeful about.