Just got a flood of texts. I know that the state legislative maps have been ruled against. No idea what's going on, if anything, with the Congressional map. Huge story and very surprising.
Speaker Files Suit in Federal Court
Pennsylvania has some interesting constitutional provisions. The Speaker of the House issues writs of election in case of vacancies, and under ordinary circumstances, must do so within 10 days. But during the period of reapportionment, this is suspended. In other words, it is intended that the new plan go in effect immediately, rather than beginning with elections for the next term. So there are currently 6 vacancies stacked up, which either have to be held on an unconstitutional old map, an unlawful new map, or wait for a lawful new map some time in the indefinite future.
One of the justices in the majority when caught up to in Puerto Rico, said that every one should understood that 2012 elections would be held on the old map, and was surprised that there would be any fuss.
Another federal lawsuit. This by Hispanic voters.
It appears that they may favor the plan drawn by the redistricting commission since it creates 4 Hispanic-majority districts, 2 in Philladelphia, 1 in Reading, 1 in Allentown.
What is stop him from receiving summary judgment? Neither the law concerning maximum variances, or the facts about the populations variances [greater than the maximum allowed] are subject to trial.
Maine tried to delay to 2014 and was judicially bitch-slapped.
