Some Ideas Spread Like a Virus

Take a look at this tidbit in today’s Washington Post:

Ohio Republicans may take a cue from state legislators in Texas and Colorado and tinker with the lines that shape their congressional districts.

Ohio Democrats emerged unscathed from redistricting after the 2000 census when district lines were redrawn to reflect changes in population — even though the GOP controlled the entire process. The reason? Republicans did not want to anger Rep. Sherrod Brown (D), who threatened to run against Gov. Bob Taft if his district was changed.

Now some Republicans are looking at carving up northeast Ohio, which would reshape the seats of Brown, Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D), and possibly other House members. “I’ve seen some plans floating around to do some line adjustments,” state GOP Chairman Bob Bennett said.

How long is it going to take Democrats to threaten retaliation? As far as I’m concerned, all of these redistricting games are divisive nonsense, but maybe to put an end to it the Democrats need to make a pointed threat: if you don’t quit it, then two can play that game. For starters, let’s take a look at Illinois, which has a Democrat-controlled State House, State Senate, and Governor, but a Congressional delegation that’s 9-D, 10-R.

Or even better: maybe it’s time to re-examine California’s Congressional districts…