As the lawmaker-driven redistricting process comes under fire here in New York, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling reaffirmed the power of state lawmakers in Texas to draw their own lines, tossing out boundaries created by a lower court.
Assemblyman Jack McEneny is the Democratic co-chairman of the commission leading the redistricting effort.
McEneny said, “I think what we can understand from that ruling is that there should be greater respect given to the function of the Legislature and the governor signed approach.”
Redistricting is a politically charged process that good government groups say is designed to keep incumbents in power. Meanwhile, hotly anticipated maps for state lines are expected as early as Monday. The big question is where the proposed 63rd Senate seat will appear.
“It will be in the State of New York. It wil be not on the island, but you know, you have to be able to anticipate something next week,” said Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.
A new Senate seat will likely go in a Republican heavy area as the GOP protects its thin majority in the chamber. But advocacy group Common Cause says it ought to go in New York City in order to maintain a population balance.
