What’s good for Arizona Republicans could spell trouble for their California counterparts if the U.S. Supreme Court sides with the plaintiffs in a lawsuit over political redistricting. Before its term ends in June, the high court is expected to issue a ruling in a case brought by Arizona’s GOP-controlled legislature, which is challenging the legality of the state’s redistricting commission. The plaintiffs contend the U.S. Constitution gives legislators the sole authority to approve congressional district boundaries. The commission’s supporters maintain that Arizona’s voters, who approved the commission at the ballot box, have the right to choose who draws those districts.
In oral arguments before the court last month, justices appeared to favor the Arizona lawmakers.
California uses a system similar to Arizona’s to draw legislative district maps. Right now, an independent commission has the power to redraw district lines for the state Legislature, Congress and the California State Board of Equalization every 10 years, coinciding with the census.
Full Article: POLITICS: Ruling could change California’s redistricting commission – Press Enterprise.