CA: Schwarzenegger looking to Common Cause to back redistricting plan

Bakersfield Californian ^ | 2/16/05 | Erica Werner - AP

[NormsRevenge]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will visit Common Cause in Washington Thursday to seek support for his plan to redraw political district lines. A vice president of the nonpartisan good government group said an endorsement was planned.

The meeting comes as the Republican governor faces skepticism - including from GOP leaders - over his proposal to let a panel of retired judges redraw congressional and state legislative district boundaries in California as early as next year.

That job is currently done by state lawmakers, and under the normal timeline it wouldn't happen until after the 2010 census.

Schwarzenegger's press office declined to confirm the Common Cause endorsement, beyond saying a meeting was happening. Ed Davis, Common Cause's vice president of policy and research, said the group was planning an endorsement.

Schwarzenegger says redistricting would lead to more competitive races and be good for democracy. It could also produce more moderate politicians, like him.

The outcome of any redistricting would depend on what proposal is adopted. Schwarzenegger has endorsed a constitutional amendment introduced in the state Assembly, while several other plans have been submitted to the secretary of state as possible ballot initiatives.

Members of California's Republican House delegation fear they could lose seats under some plans. Democrats are wary too, suspecting Schwarzenegger of following the lead of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, whose redistricting plan in Texas cost four Democratic incumbents their jobs in November.

Backing from Common Cause, which works on redistricting initiatives around the country, could add legitimacy to Schwarzenegger's effort.

Schwarzenegger also will spend Thursday meeting with members of California's congressional delegation and with Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt.