Monday, December 5, 2011

Fairness and power in redistricting

The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled in favor of state Democrats' plan for Colorado's new congressional districts. It's been interesting to listen to the rhetorical arguments on both sides during this drawn-out process. Republicans have been arguing in favor of keeping districts as similar to the previous map as possible, citing the inviolability of county lines (Douglas County is split into two districts in the new map). Of course, hewing close to the current districts aids Republicans, who currently control 4 of the 7 CDs. 

Democrats, for their part, have been arguing in favor of greater competitiveness. Here's what attorney Scott Martinez had to say:
The Supreme Court supported the needs of Colorado families over election-day politics today by creating more modern, competitive districts.... Instead of contributing to the hyper-partisanship in Washington D.C, the court supported Colorado's opportunity to elect moderate candidates who see the needs of our state over the needs of one party or another. In these districts, problem-solvers will win while partisan politicians will struggle, and we are all better off for that.
District competitiveness is an odd goal for a party, as it can mean that more districts swing away from your party in a bad election year. So were the Democrats being foolish in their approach?

In the below graph, I compare the voter registration in the current districts (as measured by the Democratic share of major party active voters) with the figures in the new districts. The green diagonal line charts where the district would be if there were no change; if a district is above the line, its Democratic share of registered voters has just increased.
From this graph, it looks like the Democratic redistricters did the smart thing for their party. They drew some Democratic voters out of their safest districts -- the 1st (held by Diana DeGette) and the 2nd (held by Jared Polis) -- and drew Democratic voters into some Republican-leaning districts -- notably the 3rd (held by Scott Tipton) and the 6th (held by Mike Coffman). The 6th is really seeing the biggest shift. Just a few years ago, this was Tom Tancredo's district, and now it's a tossup.

So, yeah, you could see this as goo-goos moving the state toward greater competitiveness. But you could also see this as a pretty aggressive move by Democrats to break Republican hegemony on one of seven districts.

8 comments:

Andrew Oh-Willeke said...

The change in CD 3 looks too small, perhaps because a change in voter registration percentage only really matters if a district is close to a tipping point before or after the redistricting.

A shift from 45% R 25% D to 50% R 20% is pretty irrelevant. A shift from 35% R 35% D to 40% R 30% D is a big deal.

dmarks said...

I wonder if the racists got any sway, and if there was any consideration at all of race given at all in drawing the lines.

That has happened a lot in other places.

Seth Masket said...

Depends what you mean, dmarks. Consideration of race isn't the same as racism.

dmarks said...

It indeed racism once it plays into any decisions like this.

Anonymous said...

Therefore, the most crucial thing to look out for when searching for Hyderabad packers and movers is their level of reliability. However, it’s not only difficult to find best packers and movers Hyderabad but also to differentiate the right ones from the wrong guys.
Therefore, the most crucial thing to look out for when searching for Hyderabad packers and movers is their level of reliability. However, it’s not only difficult to find best packers and movers Hyderabad but also to differentiate the right ones from the wrong guys.
Movers and Packers in Gachibowli
Movers and Packers in Kukatpally
Movers and Packers in Chanda Nagar
Movers and Packers in Manikonda

packers and movers in mumbai said...

Welcome to Indian Packers and Movers in Mumbai, We have a realistic team of professionals in Moving & Packing, Loading & Unloading and Transportation of your expensive goods with care. Packers and Movers in Mumbai goes behind the intercontinental principles which give surety that the goods are relocates carefully without any smash up. We at, Packers and Movers in Mumbai has experienced employees to take care of your goods in Packing and Moving Services in Mumbai.
Please Visit Our Website : https://indianpackersmovers.in/
Movers and Packers in Dadar
Movers and Packers in Thane
Movers and Packers in Panvel
Packers and Movers in Kamothe
Movers and Packers in Vashi

Chair Supplier in Mumbai said...

We are known manufacturers of modern classic chair. The designs are so attractive that you will be confused among which one to buy. Our products are well appreciated by top interior designers, esteemed customers and architects. We not also supply our products to offices but also in many hospitals, schools, restaurants, auditorium and cafeterias. We also deal in the supply of lounge sofas, education benches and office tables.

Chair Supplier in Mumbai
Office Chair Supplier in Mumbai
Visitor Chair Supplier in Mumbai
Chair Dealers in Mumbai
Top Chair Manufacturers in Mumbai
Best Chair Manufacturers in Mumbai

www.mcafee.com/activate said...

I found this is an informative blog and also very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this blog mcafee.com/activate