The Journal Times of Racine, Wisconsin, in an op-ed advocating for redistricting reform, says:
In 2005 both California and Ohio voters faced ballot measures to replace legislative redistricting with less political panels. Both states defeated their respective measures. In California, Democratic districts were heavily against the idea as were public employee unions, yet supporters included the liberal group Common Cause, the Libertarian Party, and several taxpayers associations. In Ohio it was Republicans who led the opposition.
Near the beginning of the 20th century, French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau said war is too important to be left to the generals. So it is today with politicians and fair representation in government. Political party interests are not coincident with the public interest, and fair representation, one of the most basic requirements in a democracy, especially one which cannot defer decisions on global warming, homeland security, health care, and immigration, is too important to be relegated to the narrow self-interest of our career politicians.
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