A former Republican legislator has come up with a genius idea for how to fix what ails the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. OK, so maybe it’s not a genius idea, exactly, but it’s a pretty good one, given that the current system is a slap in the face to the largest segment of Arizona voters. First reason it seems like a good idea: The Republican Party, which controls most everything in this state, won’t like it. Second reason it seems like a good idea: Neither will the Democratic Party, which managed to outmaneuver Republicans when it came to redrawing congressional and legislative maps for this decade. Third reason: It gives a fair shake to independent voters.
And so comes former Republican-turned-independent Doug Quelland’s almost-genius idea: He wants to expand the Independent Redistricting Commission.
Currently, the five-member panel contains two Republicans, two Democrats and an independent chair, who is selected by the other four. Basically, that chairperson controls the entire process as he (or she) serves as a tiebreaker.
Full Article: Roberts: Former legislator proposes redistricting reform.