2008

Prop. 11 Gets Big GOP Money Push
Sacramento Bee
November 03, 2008
Legislature's Balance Of Power May Shift
Sacramento Bee
November 01, 2008
Editorial: Foes Distorting Proposition 11
Sacramento Bee
October 30, 2008
Think Tank Debunks Idea That Prop. 11 Would Hurt Minority Communities
Los Angeles Times
October 30, 2008
Ad Watch: Prop. 11 TV Spot Focuses On Tossing Lawmakers
sacbee.com
October 29, 2008
Minority Groups Fear Loss Of Power
Sacramento Bee
October 25, 2008
Better Lines, Better Representation
Sacramento Union
October 24, 2008
No On 11 Campaign Accused Of Double Speak
sacbee.com
October 23, 2008
2008 Ballot Watch: Proposition 11: Redistricting
Sacramento Bee
October 23, 2008
Ad Watch: Foes Paint Prop. 11 As Too Complex
Sacramento Bee
October 21, 2008
Community Legal Organizations Voice Opposition To Redistricting Proposal
Metropolitan News-Enterprise
October 20, 2008
Schwarzenegger Takes In A Pair Of GOP-Sponsored Fundraisers
Contra Costa Times
October 20, 2008
Proposition 11: Supporters See Redistricting As End To Gridlock
Ventura County Star
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Independent Journal Urges 'Yes' Vote On Redistricting Measure
Marin Independent Journal
October 17, 2008
Ad Watch: Prop. 11 Backers Hammer At 'Politicians' As Foes
Sacramento Bee
October 15, 2008
Proposition 11 Leaves Congress Out Of The Argument
Sacramento Bee
October 14, 2008
Redistricting Isn't To Blame For Partisanship
San Francisco Chronicle
October 12, 2008
Governor Tries Again With Redistricting Bid
San Diego Union Tribune
October 10, 2008
Editorial: Proposition 11: A Vote For Change
Sacramento Bee
October 10, 2008
Editorials - Endorsements '08: Say 'No' To All Propositions Except 11
Sacramento Bee
October 9, 2008
Opinion: Bad Districts Yield Bad Budgets
San Francisco Chronicle
October 5, 2008
The Conversation: Getting Districts Right Is A First Step Toward Reform
Sacramento Bee
October 5, 2008
Prop. 11 Calls For Redistricting Overhaul
San Francisco Chronicle
September 29, 2008
Will State Budget Delay Boost Redistricting Initiative?
Sacramento Bee
September 29, 2008
GOP Votes Not To Back Redistricting
Fresno Bee
September 28, 2008
Budget Signed, Schwarzenegger Sets Sights On Redistricting, Other Changes
Sacramento Bee
September 24, 2008
Schrag: Redistricting Reform - Just Get It Over With
Sacramento Bee
September 11, 2008
Public Policy Institute of California Argues 2001 Redistricting Did Not Make Legislators More Partisan
RoseReport.org
September 10, 2008
The Governor, The Money And Prop. 11
San Francisco Chronicle
September 4, 2008
Editorial: Throw California's Legislature Out If It Can't Get The Job Done
Fresno Bee
September 1, 2008
CCPOA Gives $250,000 To Defeat Prop. 11
Sacramento Bee
August 29, 2008
Prop. 11 Backers File Complaint Against Perata, Prison Guards Union
Sacramento Bee
August 29, 2008
Gerrymandering A Key Culprit In California Budget Mess
Los Angeles Times
August 28, 2008
Prop. 11 Will Take Politics Out Of Redistricting
Marin Independent Journal
August 17, 2008
Reforming Redistricting: Let Independent Citizens Draw The Lines
Capitol Weekly
August 14, 2008
Democrats Need Not Fear Prop. 11 On Redistricting
California Progress Report.com
August 14, 2008
Democrats Break Ranks On Prop. 11
San Francisco Chronicle
August 13, 2008
Proposition 11: Fake Redistricting Reform
California Progress Report.com
August 12, 2008
Dan Walters: California's House Delegation Could Shrink
Sacramento Bee
August 11, 2008
Proposition 11 Has 2 Giant Loop-Holes In It---And More!
Fox & Hounds Daily.com
August 11th, 2008
Opinion: Would Prop. 11 help minorities?
Los Angeles Times
July 27, 2008
Editorial: Redistricting Threatens Incumbents
North County Times, Escondido
July 24, 2008
Cavala: California Voters� Initial �Take� On Redistricting Scheme Presages Its Defeat
CaliforniaProgressReport.com
July 22, 2008
Pelosi Reveals Herself And Makes Case For Redistricting, Unintentionally
NewAmerica.net
July 18, 2008
Opinion: Proposition 11 Levels The Redistricting Playing Field
San Jose Mercury
July 16, 2008
House Dems Oppose Calif. Redistricting Measure
San Francisco Chronicle
July 16, 2008
Cavala: Could Redistricting �Reform� Make California Competitive For John McCain? (No)
CaliforniaProgressReport.com
July 16, 2008
SEIU May Come Out In Favor of Voters� First
RoseReport.org
July 11, 2008
Nunez Gets $600,000 From Dems� Redistricting Fund
CapitolWeekly.net
July 10, 2008
Big Money Needed To Redraw Districts
The Sun, San Bernadino and the Inland Empire
July 9, 2008
Commentary: The Initiative Road To Terminal Government Gridlock
Sacramento Bee
July 8, 2008
Remap Proposal Worries Civil Rights Groups
Contra Costa Times, Sacramento Bureau
July 8, 2008
Our View: Perata Won't Fool Us Again
Merced Sun-Star
July 7, 2008
Daniel Weintraub: Voters Beware - Politicians Will Lie To Kill Proposition 11
Sacramento Bee
July 2, 2008
Gerrymandering The Vote: How A �Dirty Dozen� States Suppress As Many As 9 Million Voters
Democratic Leadership Council
June 2008
Editorial: Perata's Power Play
San Francisco Chronicle
June 30, 2008
Democrats Fear Redistricting Measure Would Curb Their Power In State
San Francisco Chronicle
June 27, 2008
Election-Map Initiative Helps Voters, State Progress
Sacramento Bee
June 27, 2008
Politics And California Redistricting
CaliforniaProgressReport.com
June 27, 2008
Millions On Line In Ballot Drives
Sacramento Bee
June 24, 2008
Democratic Leaders Accused Of Pressuring Supporters Of Redistricting Measure
Contra Costa Times Sacramento Bureau
June 21, 2008
California Is Branded Among A 'Dirty Dozen' On Gerrymandering
Los Angeles Times
June 19, 2008
Redistricting In California: Control or Democracy?
CaliorniaProgressReport.com
June 19, 2008
Changing Method Of Redistricting Makes Ballot
San Francisco Chronicle
June 18, 2008
Government Reformer Down On Redistricting Initiative
PolitickerCA.com
June 18, 2008
Redistricting Initiative Makes California Ballot
San Jose Mercury News
June 17, 2008
Democratic Party Takes Stands On Ballot Measures
CaliforninaMajorityReport.com
June 17, 2008
Cavala: Republicans Kill Reform Bill That Hurts GOP Chances While Democrats Support 'Reform' That Hurts Their Chances
CaliforniaProgressReport.com
June 9, 2008
Speaking With The New Speaker
Los Angeles Times
June 2, 2008
Two Plans Created To Reform Districts
Modesto Bee
May 19, 2008
New Speaker Should Focus On Public Interest
Los Angeles Daily News
May 13, 2008
Why Schwarzenegger's Redistricting Plan Won't Work
California Majority Report.com
May 13, 2008
Tony Quinn: Redistricting Reform OK, But It's Only A Start
Sacramento Bee
May 11, 2008
Governor May Face Donor Fatigue
Contra Costa Times
May 11, 2008
California Redistricting Plan Faces Hurdles
Capitol Weekly
May 7, 2008
Dan Walters: Competing Proposals For Remap
Sacramento Bee
May 7, 2008
Initiative On Redistricting Closer To Ballot
San Francisco Chronicle
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Nunez Pushes Ethics Plan As Rival Petitions Are Filed
Sacramento Bee
May 7, 2008
To Get Leadership Reform, We First Need Redistricting
Los Angeles Daily News
May 1, 2008
Good Intentions Could Harm Redistricting Ballot Measure
Los Angeles Times
April 28, 2008
Redistricting On Track To Qualify, Consultant Says
New America Foundation.com
April 23, 2008
Why Are GOP Contributors Putting Big Money Into Redistricting Reform?
California Progress Report.com
April 19, 2008
Gov's Giving To Remap Measure Tops $1 million
Sacramento Bee Capital Alert
April 21, 2008
�Due Process� Democrats Have Their Heads Buried in the California Sand
California Progress Report.com
April 20, 2008
Opinion: Seeing The Light
Los Angeles Daily News
April 19, 2008
California Voters FIRST Presents A Balanced And Bipartisan Effort For Redistricting Reform
California Progress Report.com
April 17, 2008
Schwarzenegger's Redistricting Plan Comes Under Fire
Contra Costa Times
April 17, 2008
Group Says Plan Will Put A Stop To Gerrymandering
The Simi Valley Acron
April 4, 2008
The Need For Redistricting Reform From This California Democrat�s Perspective
California Progress Report.com
April 4, 2008
Labor Says No To Schwarzenegger/Republican/Common Cause Redistricting Measure
The California Majority Report.com
April 02, 2008
Revenge In Attack On Legislative Redistricting?
California Progress Report.com
March 31, 2008
Weintraub: Governor Gets Another Shot At Redistricting Reform
Sacramento Bee
March 30, 2008
Editorial: Can't Legislature Do Better Than Bills On Dogs, Donkeys?
The Fresno Bee
March 30, 2008
Walters: Voters Irate At Budget Posturing
Sacramento Bee
March 28, 2008
New Foundation To Campaign For More Efficient California Government
Sacramento Bee
March 27, 2008
Editorial: California Voters Should Support Redistricting Ballot Measure
Fresno Bee
March 24, 2008
Editorial: Redraw the Map
Los Angeles Daily News
March 22, 2008
Walters: Court Ruling Offers Hope to Dysfunctional California Politics
Sacramento Bee
March 19, 2008
Supreme Court to Hear Major Redistricting Case
The Thicket at State Legislatures (ncsl.com)
March 18, 2008
Editorial: Let Citizens Redraw the Map
The Torrance Daily Breeze
March 17, 2008
Walters: Redistrict Reformers Miss Mark
Sacramento Bee
March 10, 2008
Let Citizens Redraw Map
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
March 9, 2008
Governor Proposes Redistricting Ballot Measure
North County Times
March 8, 2008
Redistricting Initiative Has Strong Republican Backing
San Jose Mercury News
March 6, 2008
Governor Gathers Signatures to Qualify Redistricting Measure
San Jose Mercury News
March 4, 2008
Manipulative Lawmakers Playing To The Crowd
Fresno Bee
February 14, 2008
State Voters Need To Do What Lawmakers Won't
Los Angeles Daily News
February 14, 2008
Editorial: What We Need In Sacramento, Redistricting, Not Retaliation
San Jose Mercury News
February 14, 2008
Redistricting Reform, Not Longer Terms, Is The Answer
California Republic.org
February 12, 2008
The Buzz: A Hardball Tactic Could Ricochet
Sacramento Bee
February 11, 2008
Wake Up, Sacramento Media! Wake Up! Wake Up! Wake Up!
San Diego Union Tribune
February 8, 2008
Editorial: Passive Aggressive Lawmakers Just Play to the Crowd
Fresno Bee
February 8, 2008
Nunez Takes Blame For Prop. 93 Loss
Los Angeles Daily News
February 7, 2008
Weingand: Voters Got A Whiff and Said 'No'
Sacramento Bee
February 7, 2008
Lawmakers Believe In Term Limits But Oppose The Measure
North County Times
February 4, 2008
Good For Us
Los Angeles Times
February 4, 2008
Commentary: A Conversation with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Sacramento Bee
January 20, 2008
Walters: Two Party Structure Under Fire
Sacramento Bee
January 18, 2008
Walters: Governor's Brownian Flip-Flops
Sacramento Bee
January 16, 2008
Editorial: Corruption of a Good Idea
San Francisco Chronicle
January 15, 2008
Governor Supports Term Limit Measure
Sacramento Bee
January 15, 2008
A Deceptive Prop. 93
San Francisco Chronicle
January 10, 2008
Use Prop. 93 To Say 'No"
dailybreeze.com
January 3, 2008

more

Prop. 11 Calls For Redistricting Overhaul

By John Wildermuth, Chronicle Staff Writer
San Francisco Chronicle
September 29, 2008

Proposition 11 on the November ballot may be designed to take the politics out of redistricting in California, but the politicians aren't going to let go without a fight.

The measure, which is the latest attempt to change the way the state's legislative districts are carved out, would take the decennial redrawing of the state's legislative boundaries out of the hands of the Legislature and give it to a 14-member citizens' commission after the 2010 census.

Nonpartisan groups including Common Cause, the League of Women Voters and AARP, joined by Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Democratic state Controller Steve Westly, are backing it.

The California Democratic Party and a variety of civil rights groups are opposing Prop. 11, which they argue sets up a confusing, complicated and unfair method of choosing a commission that won't truly represent all the people of California.

More quietly, Democratic leaders argue that a change in the redistricting rules would be bad news for the party, which controls the current reapportionment process with solid majorities in the Assembly and state Senate.

In a June e-mail inviting Democratic Party leaders and their allies to a strategy session on defeating Prop. 11, state Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, described the measure as the "last best chance to prevent us from protecting and expanding our majorities in the Legislature in the decade to come."

This isn't a new fight. Since 1982, seven different redistricting reform measures have made the California ballot. None of them has passed.

The most recent ballot measure was Schwarzenegger's Prop. 77 in 2005, which would have given a panel of retired state judges the power to draw the redistricting maps, which then would have had to be approved in a statewide election. It lost, 60 percent to 40 percent.

After the election, Perata and then-Assembly Speaker Fabian N��ez, D-Los Angeles, agreed that changes were needed in the redistricting effort and promised to push a redistricting reform measure through the Legislature in time to put it on this November's ballot.

Negotiations over a compromise redistricting measure started almost immediately.

"We believed the Legislature was going to uphold its promise to support redistricting reform," said Kathay Feng, executive director of California Common Cause, one of the groups working to draw up a new plan.

But after a pair of redistricting bills died in the Democrat-controlled Legislature, the good-government groups decided to go to the ballot with their own measure.

While the commission would draw the lines for Assembly, state Senate and Board of Equalization seats, the Legislature would continue to set the boundaries for congressional seats. Backers of Prop. 11 dropped plans to include Congress after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, and other congressional leaders threatened to raise millions to fight the initiative if their seats were included.

The new districts would have to meet the existing equal population requirements and any Voting Rights Act rules on minority representation. But the districts also will have to be geographically contiguous and respect the boundaries of cities, counties, neighborhoods and communities of interest. The districts also should be as compact as possible so that "nearby areas of population are not bypassed for more distant populations."

The measure also bans the commission from considering the residence of any incumbent politician or political candidate when drawing the new district boundaries. And any community of interest "shall not include relationships with political parties, incumbents or political candidates."

Those bans are aimed directly at the present system, where legislators dicker with each other to preserve seats for themselves and for their parties. In 2004, for example, not one of the 153 legislative and congressional seats up for election changed parties, and only a single congressional seat changed parties in 2006.

But opponents of the measure say Prop. 11 is designed to provide Republicans like Schwarzenegger, who raised more than $2.4 million to put the initiative on the ballot, with political clout they haven't been able to get under the current redistricting rules.

"To believe this effort to change redistricting doesn't have a political slant is to ignore 30 years of history," said Paul Hef- ner, a political consultant for the No on Prop. 11 effort. "This has never been about fairness. It's been about changing things to give (Republicans) an advantage."

Others argue that an appointed commission can never represent the racial, ethnic, age, geographic and gender diversity of a state like California as well as 120 elected legislators.

"It's a question of accountability," said Nancy Ramirez, Western regional counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund. "This commission will be accountable to no one."

MALDEF and other civil rights groups have fought the Legislature over redistricting in the past, even unsuccessfully challenging the last reapportionment plan in court. But with groups like the NAACP, Chinese for Affirmative Action, the Mexican American Political Association and the Asian Law Caucus, they're lining up with the Democrats to oppose Prop. 11.

Despite the dismal track record of past redistricting efforts, supporters of Prop. 11 believe voters are ready for change. They hope to tap into the growing anger and frustration people have expressed over the Legislature's record-long delay in approving a state budget and convince them that the changes in Prop. 11 will make for a fairer, less partisan redistricting plan after the census in two years.

"A lot of prominent Democrats and progressive Democratic organizations have endorsed Prop. 11 because they believe it levels the playing field," Feng said.

Choosing the redistricting panel

How the 14-member Redistricting Commission would be selected under Proposition 11:

-- Applicants must have been continuously registered in a political party or as a decline-to-state voter for the past five years and must have voted in two of the three most-recent general elections.

-- They can't have run for 10 years for state or federal office, worked for a political party or a candidate, been a member of a party's central committee, worked as a lobbyist or paid staffer to a state or federal official or contributed more than $2,000 a year to any candidate.

-- California registered voters are invited to apply. The state auditor, an appointee of the governor, eliminates applicants with conflicts of interest.

-- A randomly drawn panel of three auditors cuts the pool of candidates to 60 - 20 Democrats, 20 Republicans and 20 minor party/decline to state voters - based on their skills, ability to be impartial and racial and geographical diversity.

-- Each of the four Legislative leaders - two Republicans and two Democrats - can eliminate as many as two people from each of the three subpools. From the remaining candidates, three Republicans, three Democrats and two others are chosen at random.

-- Those commissioners choose the final six commissioners, selecting two from each group, and ensure that the commission represents the state's racial, ethnic, geographical and gender diversity.

-- The 14-member panel will include five Republicans, five Democrats and four minor party/decline-to-state members. Final legislative district maps will need nine votes to be approved, including at least three from each group.