Popkey: Redistricters Finding Unity

A funny thing happened on the way to the impasse. Idaho’s new commissioners are taking their oath to adhere to legal precedent seriously. “When you follow that, it just really eliminates a lot of partisanship,” said Democratic co-chairman Ron Beitelspacher after Friday’s public hearing in Boise. “We’re buzzing right along,” said GOP co-chairwoman Dolores Crow (pictured above). The first commission had a three-month argument over whether the constitutional provision discouraging splitting counties — affirmed by the Idaho Supreme Court after the 2001 redistricting — trumped statutory provisions discouraging precinct splits and encouraging road connections. “That hasn’t come up at all,” said GOP Commissioner Randy Hansen, who said there’s unity in the new priorities. First, one-person, one vote; second, minimize county splits; third, keep communities of interest together/ Dan Popkey , Idaho Statesman. More here.

DFO: Make sure you click on the link and read down into the story re: the exchange between Co-chairman Dolores Crow and GOP hard-liner Rod Beck. Crow puts Beck in his place for advocating basically for a partisan map that favored the supermajority GOP. Also, you can read Betsy Russell’s version of the exchange here.

Question: Are you as optimistic as I am that Idaho finally has produced a nonpartisan redistricting committee that will put Idahoans before partisan party politics?