Posted July 30, 2008 by CLC Staff Groups Push for Reform of Redistricting ProcessThe presidential candidates may be getting all the media attention, but a new coalition has launched a new project and website to draw attention to the vital need for redistricting reform before the political gerrymanders begin again in the wake of the 2010 Census.
Today, Americans for Redistricting Reform (ARR) announced its formation and launched its website. ARR is a national nonpartisan umbrella organization comprised of groups from across the political spectrum that recognize the critical need to reform our nation’s redistricting process. The coalition is committed to raising public awareness of redistricting abuses and promoting solutions that benefit voters and strengthen our democracy. The organizing principle of ARR is that voters should choose elected representatives, not the other way around.
Advisory Committee member organizations in ARR include: Brennan Center for Justice, Campaign Legal Center, Committee for Economic Development, Common Cause, Council for Excellence in Government, Fair Vote, League of Women Voters, Reform Institute, Republican Main Street Partnership, and U.S. PIRG. A number of civil rights groups are also involved in this project and have offered helpful advice and information on redistricting reform.
In conjunction with the web launch, numerous advisory committee member organizations sent a letter today to the House urging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner to hold hearings on pending redistricting reform legislation introduced in the first year of the 110th Congress.
In a Special Order on the House Floor last night, Rep. John Tanner (D-TN), stressed the need for redistricting reform, touted ARR and a House Resolution he introduced with Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN) on July 22 calling for the use of independent redistricting commissions. ARR activities are supported by the partner organizations as well as generous assistance from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. |
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