New Redistricters: None From NIdaho
Republicans have picked two former lawmakers and the widow of a state GOP chairman to sit on the new, re-formed redistricting commission, which begins its work Wednesday. Former state Reps. Dolores Crow (pictured in Idaho Public TV photo) and Randy Hansen were named today, joining longtime GOP activist Sheila Olsen of Idaho Falls. I've covered all three in my various stops around the state. Olsen's GOP credentials are unquestioned, but she is a fair and independent thinker. The same can be said for Hansen. ... The long-time chairman of the House Revenue & Taxation Committee, Crow wasn't exactly what one would call a consensus-builder. ... Last week, the Democrats named former state Sen. Ron Beitelspacher of Grangeville, former state Rep. Elmer Martinez of Pocatello, and Boisean Shauneen Grange to the panel/Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman. More here.
Question: With 5 commissioners from southern Idaho and the sixth from Grangeville, how sensitive do you expect the new redistricters to be to North Idaho/Panhandle legislative boundaries?