Redistricting Reform Boost

Launching another effort to try and change the redistricting process for the California Legislature, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s campaign committee on Friday announced a $50,000 contribution toward a signature drive that seeks to qualify a redistricting ballot measure in November.

“I have been fighting for redistricting reform since I took office and I have worked to pass reforms through the Legislature over the past several legislative sessions,” the governor said in a statement. “Unfortunately, I do not think the Legislature will take action to address this issue and I believe the California Voters FIRST Act is the best opportunity we have to return the power to choose politicians to California voters.”

The redistricting process after each census is currently in the hands of state lawmakers. After the 2000 census, they did their utmost to create incumbent-safe seats for state and federal lawmakers of both parties.

The proposed ballot measure would create a 14-member commission, with five Democrats, five Republicans, and four individuals not registered as a member of either party, to draw district boundaries for the Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization.

The measure does not touch on redistricting for congressional seats, in order to avoid the wrath of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who does not want any Democratic seats in the House to be at risk.

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