Rendell Proposes Non-Partisan Redistricting
Governor Ed Rendell announced an independent citizen's panel to redistrict Pennsylvania Congressional and legislative districts. Speaking at the spring dinner for the Kutztown (Berks) Area Democratic Club he called for reform in the way we elect our representatives. Criticizing the current method the Governor said the net effect of creating so many "safe" seats is to send too many extremists to Washington and Harrisburg. These representatives are not amenable to compromise and working toward good government so the Governor will seek to empanel a group of citizens to do the work after the 2010 census.
I admire the attempt at reform. The Governor is correct but there will be a hue and cry from his fellow Democrats after this fall's sweep of state and federal elections. They will want to do what the GOP has done across the country: redistrict in mid-decade to solidfy their stranglehold on seats. Republicans haven't waited for the end of the decade census numbers to re-district in places like Texas.
Will the Governor be able to obtain the support he needs from fellow Dems to create true reform? The 150+ people at the Lyons Fire Company were quite receptive to the idea. Rendell also promised that if the Democrats assembled for the event gave him 5 1/2 months of support for the November election he'd give them four years of successes with a new Democratic state legislature.
The Governor was on his game even after a grueling two day, nie stop campaign kickoff tour. Obviously tired and eager to get home to Harrisburg for some rest, the Governor took time to meet the many local candidates seeking to help him over the next four years.
If Ed is smart he'll use much of his time and resources helping these and other impressive new candidates win their seats. It isn't as if Rendell will have trouble raising his own campaign cash. These new faces do however, and there's no bigger draw in Pennsylvania than having the Governor attend your event. Ed, find out how many of these people you can help, get around the state to help them raise money and I guarantee you they'll be there in January when you need them to pass your agenda in Harrisburg. That would insure a successful second term.
I admire the attempt at reform. The Governor is correct but there will be a hue and cry from his fellow Democrats after this fall's sweep of state and federal elections. They will want to do what the GOP has done across the country: redistrict in mid-decade to solidfy their stranglehold on seats. Republicans haven't waited for the end of the decade census numbers to re-district in places like Texas.
Will the Governor be able to obtain the support he needs from fellow Dems to create true reform? The 150+ people at the Lyons Fire Company were quite receptive to the idea. Rendell also promised that if the Democrats assembled for the event gave him 5 1/2 months of support for the November election he'd give them four years of successes with a new Democratic state legislature.
The Governor was on his game even after a grueling two day, nie stop campaign kickoff tour. Obviously tired and eager to get home to Harrisburg for some rest, the Governor took time to meet the many local candidates seeking to help him over the next four years.
If Ed is smart he'll use much of his time and resources helping these and other impressive new candidates win their seats. It isn't as if Rendell will have trouble raising his own campaign cash. These new faces do however, and there's no bigger draw in Pennsylvania than having the Governor attend your event. Ed, find out how many of these people you can help, get around the state to help them raise money and I guarantee you they'll be there in January when you need them to pass your agenda in Harrisburg. That would insure a successful second term.
posted by PA progressive @ Sunday, May 21, 2006
<< Home