Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling slammed the Senate lines proffered by State Senator Janet Howell, and advocated for the lines put forward by the Bipartisan Advisory Commission on Redistricting:
Earlier this year, Governor McDonnell appointed the Independent Bipartisan Advisory Commission on Redistricting to recommend prospective legislative districts to the General Assembly. The Commission’s charge was clear – to draft legislative districts which are compact, contiguous and have a common interest without regard to potential political advantage. The Commission was composed of visible Republicans and Democrats, as well as respected educational and business leaders. The Commission has now completed its work and produced a product worthy of support.
“I have long supported the establishment of a bipartisan redistricting process in Virginia, as have most members of the Senate. While the General Assembly has not seen fit to approve such legislation, this year they have an historic opportunity to move this objective forward by embracing the recommendations of the Commission and I encourage them to do so.
“These recommendations should be embraced by Republicans and Democrats alike. In properly drawn districts, both parties will have a fair chance to compete and the best interests of citizens will be placed above the self interest of politicians. That is what the redistricting process should be about.
Rumors are swirling that Governor McDonnell could very well veto the rorschach tests redistricting lines put forward by the Senate Democrats. Should he do this, and the Senate be unable to override a veto, the 2011 elections would be held with the same lines we have today… and wait for a newly-elected 2012 Virginia Senate to do the lines in a more democratic and fair process.
On the other hand, McDonnell could turn around and fight for the bipartisan commission’s recommendation. This would solve the problem in the Senate, but will it cause heartburn in the House where redistricting passed with 86 votes supporting? Can McDonnell merely put forward the Senate lines alone?
Lots of questions. No clear answers as of yet.
