Thread by @rjmarr

Happy weekend VA! Earlier this week I tweeted out #VoteNoOn1, the redistricting commission amendment. I'm still a No, but feel a Prof's need to clarify after hearing from some folks on both sides
#Thread
1/

https://twitter.com/rjmarr/status/1308349584440266753?s=20

Earlier I said we all want Non-partisan, but even A1 supporters say that's basically impossible. What we actually want is INDEPENDENCE. Current SB 5015 tries to specify criteria for citizen members beyond "party picks" so it would help if passed
2/

https://twitter.com/SallyLHudson/status/1309529837246337024?s=20

But doesn't get over the fact that legislators are on the commission, and that one or two of them could use their veto power for mischief. In an uneven partisan environment (where GOP routinely kicks Dems' ass on process/power) I don't see a way around that
3/

@VaBlackCaucus is split on A1, w/ Senate (mostly?) for and House all against. Why the divide? Not sure, maybe because Senators involved in drafting? Maybe just generational difference?
4/

Maybe it comes down to trust. Younger Black Dems are being told to put faith in a process that cuts them out and put power in the hands of (white) GOP leaders countering (mostly white) Dem leaders, with (mostly white) judges as a backstop
5/

In 2020, the year of #GeorgeFloyd & #BLM (& lukewarm response to protest from Dem leaders), plus after years of their experience, I can understand Black Dems not wanting to put power in hands of Cox & Gilbert, even EFC & Saslaw
6/

Worries about courts may be overblown. (@fairmapsva reminds me: courts don't gerrymander, and legislatures always do.) Same w/ worries about minority voters (commission OR GA still have to deal with gutted #CivilRightsAct)
7/

But bottom line: take your chances with bipartisan process with a big voice for the GOP and VASupes (& stuck in constitution, so hard to change), or take your chances with the legislative Dems following through on commitments, which they have to do anyway on enabling leg?
8/

Who do you think will do the most damage? In this country/state at this point in history, my $$ is on keeping veto power out of minority party hands, esp. THIS minority party, and esp. when state constitution is involved. That's why I'm still out
9/End
#VoteNoOn1