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Challenges to political district maps will face a high hurdle
The independent panel tasked with drawing new political lines that the state will use for the next decade is expecting to wrap up its work in the next few weeks, despite opposition from many of the Republicans that control state government.
Remember to show your work
At yesterday’s IRC meeting, Voting Rights Act consultant Bruce Adelson repeatedly emphasized that DOJ likes to see a lot of debate and discussion about Voting Rights Act districts when contemplating preclearance for new maps.
IRC eyeing changes to congressional, legislative maps
In its first week back on the job after the reinstatement of ousted Chairwoman Colleen Mathis, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission considered changing some the most oft-maligned aspects of its congressional draft map.
Stertz: I don’t trust Mathis
Despite that minimal sign of reconciliation, Stertz told our reporter this morning that he doesn’t trust Mathis. When asked if he trusted the chair, he paused a moment before answering: “No. I’m waiting for actions. Actions speak louder than words.”
Brewer: No special session without “clear path to victory” at the ballot
Gov. Jan Brewer today said she won’t call a special legislative session to either repeal or reform the independent redistricting process, despite calls from some lawmakers that she do so this week.
The governor’s emphatic statement, which was released after she met with House Speaker Andy Tobin and Senate President Steve Pierce, means the chances of lawmakers convening by tomorrow t[...]
Arizona redistricting panel to resume mapping work
Arizona's redistricting commission plans Tuesday to resume work on new maps of congressional and legislative districts now that the Arizona Supreme Court has undone Gov. Jan Brewer's attempt to fire the commission's chair.
Special session prospects look bleak for Prop. 106 repeal
With the deadline for getting a measure on the Feb. 28 ballot looming, the prospects for a special session to refer Proposition 106 back to the ballot seemed bleak.
Capitol Quotes: Nov. 25, 2011
This week's most outstanding quips, jibes and utterances.
Commission returns to work on mapping political districts
The stormy legal battle over the removal – then the reinstatement – of Independent Redistricting Commission Chairwoman Colleen Mathis has dominated the coverage of the group over the past month. But the commission is more than just high drama and analysis of the political fallout.
Leap before you look
Some senators are very unhappy with Brewer’s decision to ask the Supreme Court for a detailed opinion on its decision to reinstate Mathis, a chamber source said, identifying Antenori, Biggs and Shooter as those grousing the loudest.
Poll: Voters sour on Brewer’s handling of IRC
Gov. Jan Brewer’s decision to remove the state’s redistricting chairwoman has left a bad impression on voters, according to a poll released Tuesday.
Brewer’s handling of the situation could have some long-term implications for both the governor and the Republican Party in Arizona, the pollster said.
Special session over reinstalling redistricting commission chairwoman?
With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, don’t think lawmakers are content with taking the week off. It appears Gov. Jan Brewer and key lawmakers are planning – or at least strongly considering – a special session as early as this week to deal with the fallout from Thursday’s court decision to re-install the embattled chairwoman of the state’s redistricting commission.
