Judge invalidates Florida's congressional districts, appeal is likely

[Donerail]

So FL-14 is fine, but FL-10 is too gerrymandered?  Seriously?

I'm in FL-14, but knocking out FL-5 will set off a chain of redraws that would require redrawing the entire map. If I had to choose one to hit, it'd be that one.

[Donerail]

I'm confused...would this change the 2014 races? Or would it apply starting in 2016?

It would change 2014 but it will near-certainly be appealed to the FL Supreme Court so it's stuck in limbo right now.

[Donerail]

I'm confused...would this change the 2014 races? Or would it apply starting in 2016?

It would change 2014 but it will near-certainly be appealed to the FL Supreme Court so it's stuck in limbo right now.

How would that work though if everyone's already filed in the current districts and such?

The FL Supreme Court will make it so it doesn't take effect until 2016 while they consider the appeal.

[Donerail]

Redraw has been mandated by mid-August.

[Donerail]

Redraw has been mandated by mid-August.

Wonderful!

Actually, this is probably awful. Sure, we might get another House seat out of it, but it means the Legislature will be called into special session to redraw the maps. Legislators, including vulnerable Democratic incumbents (Clelland, Zimmermann, Danish, Sachs), are forbidden from fundraising during session. If GOP leadership in the Legislature causes the session to drag on for a few weeks, we could see a fundraising gap open (or, in most cases, widen further) in those races, and if the Republicans pick up 1 State Senate seat and 5 House seats they've got a supermajority in both chambers and the Governor's race was for nothing.

[Donerail]

Redraw has been mandated by mid-August.

Wonderful!

Actually, this is probably awful. Sure, we might get another House seat out of it, but it means the Legislature will be called into special session to redraw the maps. Legislators, including vulnerable Democratic incumbents (Clelland, Zimmermann, Danish, Sachs), are forbidden from fundraising during session. If GOP leadership in the Legislature causes the session to drag on for a few weeks, we could see a fundraising gap open (or, in most cases, widen further) in those races, and if the Republicans pick up 1 State Senate seat and 5 House seats they've got a supermajority in both chambers and the Governor's race was for nothing.

That will only be for two years; this redistricting will be in place for eight. Besides, wouldn't both parties be hurt equally by the lack of fundraising?

No, since it's only a ban on fundraising for incumbents - challengers are free to continue to raise, and there's a lot more seats with vulnerable Dem incumbents than potential Dem pickups.