A proposed bipartisan redistricting bill that would change how legislative boundaries are drawn is expected to be heard by the Virginia Senate Privileges and Elections Committee next week.
Senate Bill 38, sponsored by Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, would establish a seven-member commission to draw new legislative districts, if passed. Deeds said three members of the commission would be appointed by Democratic General Assembly leaders, and three would be similarly appointed by Republican leaders. The seventh and final member, according to Deeds, would be selected by the six appointees. If the six members are not able to agree on a seventh member, they would submit two names, and the Commonwealth Supreme Court would decide.
Deeds noted that the proposed redistricting changes are an attempt to unify a political arena dominated by partisan politics.
"I think you've got to change the whole outlook," Deeds said, adding that citizens' needs, not parties' interests, should be the focus of the bill.
According to Deeds, his bill incorporates proposals from Sen. Janet Howell, D-Reston, Sen. Kenneth Cuccinelli, R-Fairfax, and Sen. Kenneth W. Stolle, R-Virginia Beach. Deeds also noted that a similar redistricting commission in New Jersey as well as Iowa's criteria for establishing legislative lines served as inspiration for the proposed bill, which he describes as a "marriage" of the two models.
A similar redistricting proposal passed last year in the Senate but died in a House committee. Deeds said he is optimistic that the bill will become law this year because the balance of power has shifted somewhat in Richmond.
"This year ought to be the best atmosphere," Deeds said. "I think it's got a legitimate chance."
Politics Prof. Larry Sabato disagreed, however, saying the bill will likely fail in the House.
"The Democrats want redistricting so they can get a larger proportion of the seats," Sabato said.
He added that it is "misleading" to say the current balance of power will make redrawing legislative district lines possible, because the current boundaries favor the Republican party, and Republicans have a majority in the House.
"There is always one party that will gain more and one that will lose more," Sabato said.
Read More
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | 2 days agoThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 3 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
What does the University’s contract with dining service Aramark entail?
By Brandon Kile | 4 days agoThe Cavalier Daily submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the University for its contract with Aramark to understand the specific terms of the agreement.
