The Maine Legislative Apportionment Commission held a public hearing on maps proposed by Democrats and Republicans, maps that would redraw Maine's two congressional districts.
The scheme from the Democrats would move seven towns and 19,000 people from one district to the other, leaving a population difference of three.
The Republican plan would move 360,000 Mainers in seven counties leaving a deviation of one.
The hearing begins with brief presentations from both sides, with Sen. Debra Plowman leading off with the Republican plan. She shows an example of gerrymandering - Georgia's 13th District from 2001.
- Map of GA-13 put up "What Democrats have done before" as if there aren't any examples of GOP gerrymandering #mepolitics #rayedistricting
- Od note is that the map of GA-13 that Plowman showed was drawn in 2001 - redrawn in 2005 t.co/VdjGaUN #mepolitics #rayedistricting
Republicans sticking firm to a one-voter differential in congressional redistricting debate #mepolitics
Plowman draws hard line on Lewiston/Auburn - committed to moving it to First. (My thoughts: t.co/1zJNmgT) #mepolitics- Plowman compares maps drawn in 1961 when Maine lost a seat to "ugly piece of furniture, not an antique" #mepolitics
- Plowman says displacement of voters not a constitutional or legal issue. Seems to me it's a common sense issue. #mepolitics #rayedistricting
Sen. Seth Goodall presents the Democratic scheme.
- Goodall says displacement, county splits and travel burden have historically been considered by Maine Legislatures and courts. #mepolitics
- RT @BDNPolitics: Legislative showdown looking more and more likely on congressional redistricting; both sides digging in #mepolitics
- @BDNPolitics Which means that @mainegop claim that req'd 2/3 vote to enact no longer applies needs be examined #mepolitics #rayedstricting
Small changes from '61 to '83. Suppose there is no precedent for small changes in a redisticting debate so purely political. #mepoliticsThe Chair of the Commission, Mike Friedman (who is not registered with any political party) opened the hearing for public testimony.
- Rep. Ed Mazurek of Rockland gives first comment - asks that region not be split from similar communities and moved to 2nd. #mepolitics
- Only 3 of the 7 GOP members are here for public comment. All Dem members are in attendance. #mepolitics #rayedstricting
- Billings one of 1st to leave followed by Cebra Tardy Whittemore - listening to Maine residents not important to these men? #mepolitics
- Rockland mayor: town council opposes redistricting that move Rockland and Knox Country #mepolitics
Share & notify
Notify
140
