Monday Afternoon Redistricting Notes

Just a note, we will post maps and data related to the new districts as soon as we receive them so stay close by. Here is some recent information on redistricting:

** The Clarion-Ledger has a rundown of the upcoming redistricting battle. One point of note is a statement from Sen. Willie Simmons (D-Cleveland) who said he is lobbying for the Delta to not lose any representation in the legislature. Pretty difficult to envision a scenario how that works without some very tricky map-making.

** Billy McCoy wrote an op-ed in the Clarion-Ledger on Sunday where he basically said that the House will consider a “fair redistricting plan” and that he is “surprised to hear some Republicans complain.” Basically, a preemptive strike for the Speaker in what will not be an easy process for anyone.

** The Republican Party responded to McCoy’s column with this statement:

“We are pleased that Speaker McCoy has gone on the record endorsing key principles in our legislative redistricting process, including the value of keeping as many precincts intact as possible, respecting historical boundaries and communities of interest, ensuring that districts are geographically compact, and doing all of this within the guidelines set forth by the Voting Rights Act.

To that end, we encourage and expect all members of the legislature, Republicans and Democrats alike, to carefully review not only the Joint Committee’s proposal but also alternative proposals made available by others. We are hopeful that Republicans and Democrats can come together, consider the complete proposals available to them, and support the proposal that best reflects those principles that we share and best holds to the standards set by state law.

Mississippians deserve the plan that best reflects them and their communities, not the plan that best serves over 130 years of entrenched political interests. Legislators owe it to the voters they have been elected to represent to take time and review options, not rush to judgment on a plan that deeply affects our state for a decade.”

** Expect to hear the word “fair” on a regular basis when talking about redistricting over the coming weeks and months from all sides.