Excellent question from DPVA, although I'd also ask the question to Democrats like Dick Saslaw. And, of course, how firm will Governor McAuliffe be on this? Will he be willing, for instance, to veto, veto, and veto some more if need be? We'll see…
Yesterday's historic decision by the Eastern Court of Virginia has paved the way for fairer Congressional districts that better reflect Virginia's unique demographics. Governor McAuliffe and Democrats statewide have welcomed this important ruling and its implications for fairer representation for all Virginians. Editorial boards like the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Virginia Gazette have already weighed in to call for fair redistricting. Will Republican leadership follow suit, or continue to spew the same extreme partisanship that puts ideology ahead of the Virginians they're supposed to serve?
Speaker Howell and Leader Norment have remained painfully silent. Speaker Howell has repeatedly declined to comment, leaving Virginians to wonder — will Republican leadership support fair redistricting, or continue to promote unequal districts to further their partisan plans?
"Speaker Howell and Leader Norment must support fair redistricting that yields more contiguous, concise districts," said Morgan Finkelstein, press secretary for the Democratic Party of Virginia. "It's the right thing to do for Virginia. But so far, we've heard nothing from Republican leadership to indicate they'll fight for the fair and equal representation Virginians deserve."
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