Nearly every state is required to redraw its congressional, senate and other districts between now and 2012, and the 14-member California Citizens’ Redistricting Commission is sharpening its pencils for the task. As one of only seven states with a citizen’s commission, California promises a number of very interesting outcomes as district lines and demographics shift. Not the least of which is our congressional seating arrangement - thanks in part to our oddly-shaped districting, only one House seat has changed party hands here in the last decade. The shake-up may cause more upset than the San Andreas fault – some Hill-watchers predict that after the fallout, as much as 25 percent of delegates will not be returning to congress in 2012. In this game of musical chairs, which legislators will end up with a seat – and who will be bounced out?
Guests:
Aaron Blake, staff writer, Washington Post
Bob Stern, President, Center for Governmental Studies
Jeanne Raya, Commissioner, California Citizens Redistricting Commission
Peter Yao, Commissioner, California Citizens Redistricting Commission
The first step in the redistricting process will be a series of public hearings to be held statewide. Starting April 27th, the public is invited to express their concerns and preferences at meetings in Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Gabriel, San Fernando and Lancaster. For more info, go to WeDrawTheLines.ca.gov