, and the upcoming redistricting after the 2010 census.I didn't know we had a couple amendments coming up that could totally upend how we district the state -
FairDistrictsFlorida.org is a nonpartisan group of Florida citizens working to reform the way our state draws legislative and Congressional district lines by establishing constitutionally mandated fairness standards. We aim to stop partisan favoritism and stop politicians from rigging districts to unfairly perpetuate their own political power. Our amendments will give Florida voters a real opportunity to fairly choose their representatives.
FairDistrictsFlorida.org is the sponsor Amendments 5 and 6 which voters will have a chance to approve on November 2! These amendments will establish fairness standards for use in creating legislative and congressional district boundaries. While expressly and carefully protecting minority voting rights, the standards will prohibit drawing district lines to favor or disfavor any incumbent or political party. Districts will have to be compact and utilize existing political and geographical boundaries. In other words, natural competitiveness and fairness will be required
FairDistrictsFlorida.org
BALLOT SUMMARY: Legislative districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.
Torn on this, I'm not a fan of jerry mandered districts, but it scares me to death to think what effects this might have on our liberal congress this fall. Regardless, I'll probably vote for both amendments. I doubt either will get the 60% needed, but who knows.
Also found this - the state will likely pick up a couple representatives in this cycle. The report also has some detail on the state of the 2nd District -
Florida Redistricting: The Complete Analysis*|*The Rose Report
Boyd has been easily reelected, running unopposed in 2006 and beating Republican Mark Mulligan by twenty-four points in 2008. Boyd has raised over $850,000 in the current campaign cycle, while his closest opponent, Democratic State Senator Alfred Lawson Jr., has raised almost $80,000. A poll from November 2009 showed Lawson to be leading Boyd by about 35-31, within the 4.6% margin of error. While national Republicans have yet to take a significant stand behind any of the several GOP candidates for this seat, it is one of the better chances in the state for the Republicans to gain a seat and so they will likely spend more time and money on the campaign once the primaries are done. Watch for this race to become competitive as the general election approaches, although it seems safe for the Democrats for now.
Boyd, your days are numbered buddy!
