Editorial: District lines need outside review

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Letting state lawmakers redraw their own district maps is unfair to minority political parties in those districts, and gives legislators too much influence over future elections.

This gerrymandering has been the status quo in past redistricting, and has resulted in strange zig-zags on the political map. With Minnesota expected to lose a congressional seat in 2010, it&8217;s quite possible the lines could become even more erratic.

By giving the Legislature control over political boundaries, it ensures that Republican districts will more than likely stay Republican, and Democratic districts will more than likely stay Democratic. Those who were formerly majority voices in strictly Republican districts may find themselves minorities in Democratic districts and vice versa. The process can be manipulated for the benefit of incumbents.

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A better solution has been offered up and supported by former Vice President Walter Mondale and former Gov. Arne Carlson &8212; representing both major parties &8212; that would put the redistricting in the hands of retired judges. Other proposals would give control over redistricting to a redistricting commission of nine voters or the heads of House research and Senate counsel. Any of those proposals would be superior to the current rule.

&8212; Austin Daily Herald, Jan. 14