Cato Institute
by Patrick Basham

11/08/05

Unlike most democracies, we place the power to shape political districts in the hands of politicians. Our state legislatures have the power to draw political boundaries for state and congressional offices. Unfortunately, redistricting has evolved into the electoral instrument that best serves to protect and strengthen incumbency advantage thanks to sophisticated gerrymandering -- the redrawing of legislative districts for political advantage. Grassroots movements in California and Ohio are attempting to change this situation to make both state and congressional elections more competitive. However, from coast to coast, most politicians are unwilling to contemplate real reform. Chellie Pingree, president of Common Cause, reminds us that, 'Incumbent politicians don't want to change the system no matter where they are'...

http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=5176


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp