Tag: Martin O’Malley

And given the court's conservative lean, they could do so again in this most recent case, which involves House district maps drawn by state legislatures in Maryland and North Carolina. But ending gerrymandering might not be that easy, in part because both parties occasionally benefit from the process. What is gerrymandering? How gerrymandering works In most states, the legislature draws up new congressional maps following the conclusion of the U.S. census, which takes place every ten years. The state's governor then has to approve the new map by signing it into law. A number of states, most recently Utah, have tried to sidestep partisan redistricting by creating independent commissions tasked with drawing maps that better reflect the will of voters. States like Utah are also trying this approach, creating independent commissions that would limit legislatures' involvement in redistricting. Democrats have scored major victories at the state level in recent elections, and according to The Washington Post, they would now have the ability to draw the boundaries of 76 House seats nationwide should redistricting happen tomorrow. Another 113 seats would be drawn by independent commissions, while 60 would be redrawn in states where Republicans and Democrats share control of the state government. Why 2020 matters for gerrymandering Unless the Supreme Court intervenes, the 2020 elections remain Democrats' best hope of undoing Republican gerrymanders and instituting new maps.

Washington Gov. “He cannot stop us,” Inslee said, adding “He has not stopped me either.” Inslee will soon travel to the first primary state of New Hampshire as he mulls a White House bid. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Montana Gov. Each person is making moves that could result in a presidential campaign. In North Las Vegas, he cited his record on climate change, gun control, the minimum wage and paid family leave in an appearance at the Battle Born Progress convention. Campaign finance laws give nonfederal officials more leeway to raise money without having an official presidential campaign or exploratory committee, so there’s less pressure on them to announce campaigns than for senators who want to travel. If those governors and mayors announce early and then fail to show fundraising prowess, their campaigns could be short-lived. Inslee is traveling now using his federal political action committee. His national advisers include Jen Palmieri, a former communications director to the Obama White House and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. In Colorado, Hickenlooper opened a federal political action committee last fall and has made some top staff hires.