Common Cause Blog :: Make sure California doesn't go the way of Texas

Make sure California doesn't go the way of Texas

By DJ Francis
Posted on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 03:08:26 PM EST

We have been seeing redistricting efforts in Georgia that reek of the underhanded tactics used by Tom DeLay in Texas. These partisan gerrymanding techniques secure one party's control over the state and silence opposition. This is just plain un-democratic.

We have a chance to achieve real redistricting reform in California; an opportunity to adopt a fair method for re-drawing the political lines consistent with our principles. That is why we need to maintain our grassroots lobbying efforts to move this reform measure forward in Sacramento. Please click on "read more" to find out what we are doing in California to make sure a DeLay's Texas style redistricting doesn't take place in California.

Here is the key excerpt of an action email we sent out to our California members today urging them to take the following actions to push for redistricting reform:

California residents: Please call the following four leaders of our state legislature and urge them to support real and substantive redistricting reform. Right now, members of the California Legislature are home for Spring recess and they are especially attuned to their constituents. Call these leaders and ask them to hold public hearings on redistricting reform and vote in favor of a plan that includes a fair process for drawing political lines and for public participation and transparency:

* Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles): (213)-620-4646
* Senate President Pro-tem Don Perata (D-Oakland): (510) 286-1333
* Chair of the Assembly Elections Committee Representative Tom Umberg (D-Anaheim): (714) 939-8469
* Chair of the Senate Elections Committee Senator Debra Bowen (D-Redondo Beach): (310) 318-6994

We need this reform now more than ever. In 2001, the California legislators drew districts to protect themselves from competition. And it worked. No incumbent and neither party lost a single seat in the 2004 election. If we want politicians to be accountable to the people, we have to change the redistricting system that creates safe seats. If you live in California, please make these calls today.

Tags: (all tags)

Make sure California doesn't go the way of Texas :: 19 Comments

phone calls made

Just a note to thank you for the opportunity to contribute. I made all four calls; the staffer at Senator Bowen's office was particularly helpful, gave me instructions for subscribing to the bill so that you can get alerts when there is news of any progress (do this at http://www.legislature.ca.gov, just type the number 3 in the search box on the right side.) She also looked up my own Senator's phone number so that I could call and have my views recorded there, as well.

by Anonymous Citizen on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 05:33:00 PM EST

California redistricting

Sorry,

You have done much good work and I have supported your efforts in the past. But I believe you are picking on the wrong state to target for redistricting at this point in time ....I don't care what set of principles you tell me you are following, you are essentially upsetting the balance of power in MY state in a way that is likely to support a reactionary Republican agenda both nationally and within my state and I must oppose your efforts.

I see you no longer wave the banner of Gov. Schwarzenegger as someone you are working with but your first attempts to push this campaign touted your relationship with him. What you are doing in MY state is playing into his hands whether you mention his name or not. If you were sincere in your efforts I would have expected to see you move on TEXAS first or at least concurrently. I will be sure to contact the 4 legislators you mention and vehemently oppose your stand at this point in time.

You can count me among your opposition on this one.

by Anonymous Citizen on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 05:42:19 PM EST

Re: California redistricting

I am a resident of California. This is MY state, too! I just joined Common Cause recently. This is a nonpartisan organization, and the fight being waged is the right one. I'm glad I'm on board now to join in this good fight.

Fairness in redistricting is not "playing into" anyone's hands. Redistricting is simply the FAIR and right thing to do, and a pox on both Houses of Democrat and Republican politicians.

Whether one is a Democrat, Republican, or independent, it is simply wrong to let our legislators (now acting as "special interests" themselves) draw district lines to protect their incumbencies.

Those legislators have shown by their behavior, in this instance, that they are obviously indifferent to the wishes of "We, the People."

They've clearly acted in a corrupt fashion.

As an aside, I am a retired teacher. I hope all teachers in California and elsewhere support Common Cause and the move for California redistricting.

It's only fair. It's only just. Let's restore the voice of "We, the People" and get behind California redistricting efforts.

"We, the People", must now directly communicate our wishes, as our legislators have--once again--ignored fairness and "sold us down the river."

Enough, already! Let's all support California redistricting, and support Common Cause in this effort.

California, MY state, is badly in need of a good "clean up." Let's do it!

by skytrain on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 06:54:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: California redistricting

I am a California resident and just now made my four phone calls in favor of redistricting.

Thank you for the information and the phone numbers to call.

All of the offices were polite. Three of the offices wanted to know my name and address--which I gave them--and one simply took my remarks in favor of the redistricting ( Sen. Perata).

Count me as working to get more of my fellow California retired teachers involved in favor of redistricting.

by skytrain on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 07:34:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: California redistricting

Thanks so much again for taking these actions Sky. We really appreciate it. If you have suggestions or feedback on how we can do a better job in raising the awareness in this issu, please let us know. And thanks again for your actions.

by Murshed Zaheed on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 07:41:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

California Redistricting

I have also been in your camp for a long time, but am very fearful of this effort for our state. While it is under the control of Schwarzenneger, I fully expect underhanded nominations and decisions to be made to move this redistricting effort to his benefit and to trip up Democrats.

Schwarzenneger has shown several times the dishonest way in which he intends to proceed. Indeed the way he got into office is very suspect- through a recall backed by millionaires. And just after Senator Boxer started speaking bravely for the people, our Democratic (democratically elected) Secretary of State was drummed out of office and then this governor felt free to replace him with someone of his choosing. We are all aware by now the crucial role that the SOS plays in ensuring a fair or a fraudulent election for his state and even for federal elections.

Our SOS had been waging a very successful battle against the fraudulent electronic voting machines, and had just won a large victory to get them removed. I read that the election officials immediately installed by the governor were moving to undo Secretary of State Shelley's achievements for fair elections.

Schwarzenneger continues to play the hero and be the cad. He is just one dishonest SOB. And I do not trust any "reforms" done under his control.

by Anonymous Citizen on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 05:58:59 PM EST

Re: California Redistricting

While I hear what you all are saying, it's important to keep in mind that this is about the legislation. Schwarzenneger presented a good plan and as non-partisans we talk to both sides. I can't stress enough--if the Dems had presented this plan we would have endorsed it in exactly the same way!

This isn't a D's vs. R's thing in my mind. What redistricting does is often eliminate the extremists on both sides--the fanatical people who don't want to work with anyone else. In my mind, that's a good thing. I don't care who proposes the plan.

by DJ Francis on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 06:19:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: California Redistricting

This is nothing but a "muscle flexing" scheme by "The Arnold" and his asslicking "Power Elite" millionaires and millionaire wannabees. As far as 'fanatics', when has California NOT had more than it's fair share of fanatics? It was 'fanatics' that replaced Davis with a dangerous airhead rightwing millionaire movie star waiting for the self-serving role of a lifetime! You dont care WHO proposes the plan? If the "Dems" proposed redistricting--they would have been laughed off the stage! Please, go back and do some homework on political history--A man, a plan,a canal-Panama!

by Anonymous Citizen on Wed Apr 06, 2005 at 02:56:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

California Redistricting

You can count me out on this one. Do you have any idea how you could totally screw up our state and make a way for the Republican's to take over? You picked the wrong state to stick your nose in and I will make those calls today and tell the leaders to have NOTHING to do with your stupid plan. You are supporting a governor who is as dishonest as George Bush and gang. You are supporting a governor who was a member of Enron, attended their secret meetings, and who helped Pete Wilson steal our power and line their pockets with big $$$$. And you are helping him steal another election. Why do you think he got rid of Shelly? Are you people totally ignorant? Do you have any sense? We don't need a Nazi for a governor, especially on that looks like a Cheshire Cat on steriods and acts like on also. Butt out of California, go pick on Texas, they need you more than we do. After I make those calls I will be sending messages to hundreds of Dem groups in CA telling them to boycott your plan.

by Anonymous Citizen on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 06:23:09 PM EST

Redistricting

I normally support Common Cause actions but you can count me as opposition on this one. Both you and Gov. Schwarzenegger are wrong. If the GOP was in majority in the state he would not be calling for independent judges to do redistricting.

by Anonymous Citizen on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 06:35:38 PM EST

California Redistricting

I cannot suppport you on this either. I'm afraid it is playing into Schwarzenegger's hands and we cannot allow that to happen. In any case, redistricting should be done after the next census, not now. I will fight this one too.

J Sanford

by JS1 on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 06:46:31 PM EST

redistricting

Most of the time, I agree with you, and have signed many of your petitions, but I cannot, in good faith, support your efforts on behalf of redistricting. Even if put forth by a Democrat, not the nefarious governor we now have to endure, I would still object. Who, exactly, will decide the redistricting guidelines? The same people in the present districts? What's the point? I decline to support this. I suspect you are getting many more comments against this than support it. I cannot see anything good coming from this, and yes, Tom DeLay's maneuvering has certainly made me wary of such things.

by Anonymous Citizen on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 07:21:01 PM EST

CA Redistricting campaign

I have made calls to the four state representatives. Their staff members all took name and address, and promised to relay the message.

I think that this initiative is an important one for Democrats to get out in front of. We should be supporting basic democratic reforms that increase fairness and openness. No doubt, the governator has ulterior motives. However it is a good idea (although, in a strange place).

Terry Norbury

by terrynorbury on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 08:02:40 PM EST

Why Redistricting? Why Now?

I can almost understand why Common Cause would support this, and your non-partisan status allows you to claim the moral high ground in the debate. But I think this is a flawed plan. There's a reason Schwarzenegger supports this: he wants more "moderate" (read: buyable and Republican) politicians to get elected. He's looking for more power over the legislature: it's that simple. And any time someone wants to remove power from an elected body and hand it to an appointed one, I get suspicious. It's far too easy to pack a commission with partisan hacks. Just look at the CPUC.

I think the real issue here is not the redistricting process: the problem is single-seat districts elected by plurality vote. If we used ranked choice voting or proportional representation to elect legislators to multi-seat districts, we could eliminate much of the corruption and graft that dominate the legislature...and the governor's office. Grassroots candidates have a real chance of winning such an election, and multi-seat districts ensure that most of a district has at least some representation. For more information on RCV, multi-seat districts, and other true electoral reforms, visit the the Center for Voting and Democracy at http://www.fairvote.org/.

I know it's tempting to latch on to short term reforms since they seem to have a chance of passing, but let's not let that temptation keep us from our real goal: getting the money out of politics and giving community-based candidates a chance to win.

by Anonymous Citizen on Thu Mar 24, 2005 at 03:26:46 PM EST

calls re redistricting bills

Called Speaker Nunez, Pro-tem Perata & chairpersons Umberg & Bowen. Left message, name & address. Received politely by staff people. I strongly support this issue. Appalled as I am by Arnald's grandstanding, I think this is way overdue and rises above partisan politics.

by Anonymous Citizen on Sat Mar 26, 2005 at 04:06:55 PM EST

Redistricting California

Not this time! I have supported every Common Cause until now. Schwarzenegger is a fascist whose selling off my state to the highest bidder. He only wants to redistrict to destroy the Democartic majority of the state legislature. He is abusing the initiative process to avoid the legislature. Time for him to start pretending to be a governor, not the bully super-fundraiser he proves himself to be. How about investigating his phoney nonprofit fundraising comittees? Shame on Common Cause for playing Schwarzeneggers game!

by Anonymous Citizen on Sun Mar 27, 2005 at 01:27:29 AM EST

How to eliminate gerrymanders completely

Here's how to take the politics completely out of redistricting:
http://www.burtonsys.com/redist.html
(it's about a just-introduced redistricting reform bill in North Carolina)

-Dave

by Anonymous Citizen on Wed Apr 06, 2005 at 04:38:41 PM EST

It's time for new leadership at CC

This alliance with the unelected gropenfuhrer is folly writ large - badly conceived, badly timed, in short, lunatic.

by Anonymous Citizen on Thu Apr 07, 2005 at 05:33:46 PM EST

Arnold's plan is partisan. Support Canciamilla's

California Assemblyman Joe Canciamilla has proposed a bill which would kill Arnold's redistricting bill by implementing something that makes a whole lot more sense. It was reported a while ago in the Contra Costa Times. (http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/p olitics/10921860.htm)

From the article:

"Assemblyman Joe Canciamilla, D-Pittsburg, has joined the rush to reform how California elects its leaders and makes spending decisions.
The leader of the Moderate Democratic Caucus has introduced a legislative package that would strip legislators of control over election district boundaries and relax term-limit rules; both proposals would require voter approval.

He also seeks a mandated legislative review of all state-funded programs and would require the governor to submit a two-year rather than a one-year budget.

Canciamilla says the package will "create more competitive election districts to make the Legislature more responsive to the public. It will require legislators to do more oversight on the budget and state programs to increase government efficiency, and it will give legislators enough time in office to do these responsibilities better." "

Most importantly, it is a preemptive strike against the two big partisan components of Schwartzenegger's threatened initiative. It is California state redistricting only (no Congressional redistricting), and it will occur after the next census in 2010.

From CC Times again:

"ACA 5X, which would create a five-member commission to establish congressional, Assembly, Senate and Board of Equalization districts after the next census. Retired judges would select a pool of 25 potential commissioners. From the pool, the four majority-minority leaders in the Legislature would pick four commissioners. No more than two members can be from the same party. The commissioners would elect the fifth, nonpartisan member as their leader. The governor's plan, in contrast, appoints three retired federal judges to write the plan and it would take effect in 2006."

In general, I think non-partisan redistricting is a very good idea and serves the country well as candidates actually need to compete in their districts among a natural constituency. So, I don't mind a statewide redistricting of state office districts. As long as potential benefit does not accrue to the party trying to pass it (aka Schwartzenegger). So, it is imperative that it occur after the next census.

However, Congressional redistricting in California is an entirely other matter. This is an attempt to unilaterally disarm California for Republican advantage, since the other states are not implementing the same thing in parallel.

Canciamilla's proposal if successful leaves Schwartzenegger with a non-viable initiative. What can he say? -- Never mind that we'll be redistricting California, I want to do it earlier? Oh, and I want to redistrict California's Congressional districts now because of CA legislative gridlock? The only reason Ahnold's proposal has a chance is that there is his presented illusion of gridlock in the California legislature. So, he's slipping in the Republican-biased pieces for early Congressional redistricting. I think his motives would become obvious and his initiative will sink like a stone.

Let's hope. In the meantime, call your state reps and have them get behind Canciamilla.

by DavidW in SF on Thu Apr 07, 2005 at 06:28:55 PM EST

You are not logged in.

In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.

If not, you can make an account just by filling out the form below. It's quick and free.

Make sure California doesn't go the way of Texas

By DJ FrancisPosted on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 03:08:26 PM EST

By DJ Francis
Posted on Wed Mar 23, 2005 at 03:08:26 PM EST