2018: Should the position on gerrymandering be heavily questioned by the media?

[Virginiá]

Of course it should. But given that this is only about lawmakers using their power to suppress their political opponents, it will probably only receive token coverage. Especially if Trump somehow gets his twitter account back for the midterm.

[Virginiá]

I thought that in MD both maps were passed by a joint resolution? Is there some sort of filibuster type thing in the lower chamber?

And what role does the FL governor have in interpreting anti-gerrymandering laws?

Maryland, like Florida, passes legislative maps by joint resolution, which is not subject to veto. However, the Congressional map is.

As for FL, whoever the next Governor is will be replacing 3 FLSC justices that are facing mandatory retirement in 2019. All of these justices happen to be Lawton appointees, aka votes crucial to overturning gerrymandered maps. An all-Republican bench would be more likely than not (imo) to defer to the legislature's "fixes", and possibly be prone to shooting down gerrymandering lawsuits entirely.

This has always been the weak spot for the Fair Districts amendments. Democrats would be wise to get initiatives for commissions on the ballot prior to the next round of redistricting.