Redistricters: ‘We’re down to about seven business days to solve this’

Idaho Redistricting Commission Co-Chairman Evan Frasure reopened the commission’s deliberations this afternoon by saying he understands the Democratic commissioners’ position, that statutes requiring five votes to split precincts or draw districts without connecting highways are unconstitutional. “We recognize that this is a point of contention, and hopefully we can work our way through it,” Frasure said. “My understanding of statutory law is that we are required to follow it in our guidelines. … It is very difficult in this process.” Toward that end, he’s invited House Speaker Lawerence Denney to address the commission this afternoon at 3 to explain the thinking behind those statutory requirements.

Frasure said, “In reality, we’re down to about seven business days now to solve this.” That’s in part because Frasure has commitments and can’t make three previously scheduled meeting dates at the end of the month. He’s encouraging discussion of congressional district plans while commissioners await the speaker.