UA-9726592-1

Monday, November 28, 2011

New proposed Florida Congressional Districts

Florida Amendment 6 requires that boundaries not be drawn to favor a political party or incumbent. Districts should be compact rather than sprawling; and that districts cannot be designed to shut racial or language minorities out of the political process. 


The aim of this and a companion amendment is to curb gerrymandering of districts, In the past lawmakers design boundaries favorable to their own election prospects or contort them to help one political party.

Amendment 6 passed with more than 60 percent of the vote last year.

Rep. Bill Young's proposed new district is in pink. South St. Petersburg that has a large black poulation is still conveniently lopped off the old District 10 .

Although the biggest growth in Florida has been in Hispanic areas, The GOP is trying to create another new district out of four rural counties. That will certianly be challenged in court.

Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith and Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich criticized the proposed redistricting maps today:

Today, Florida Republicans have taken a state - which experts have long considered one of the most malapportioned states in the country - and worsened it,'' Smith said in a statement. "In doing so, they have chosen to thwart the will of 63-percent of Florida voters by proposing maps that are aimed at incumbent protection and partisan advantage - the very things which Florida’s Constitution now prohibits.

From virtually eliminating the seat currently held by the Democratic Senate leader, to avoiding placing a single Republican incumbent at risk, it is clear the Florida GOP are working overtime to protect their interest ahead of the interest of the people they serve.

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