Biggest GOP Gains In Statehouses (Redistricting bonus)

Realclearpolitics ^ | Nov 3, 2010 | Sean Trende

[listenhillary]

Although attention has focused on GOP gains in Congress and Governor's mansions, the worst part of the night for Democrats probably came in state legislative seats. The National Conference of State Legislatures estimates that Democrats had the worst night in state legislative seats since 1928. With races outstanding in New York, Washington and Oregon, Republicans have flipped at least 14 chambers, and have unified control of 25 state legislatures. They have picked up over five hundred state legislative seats, including over 100 in New Hampshire alone.

This hurts Democrats in two ways. First, it wipes out the prospective farm team for future runs for Congress and statewide office.

But more importantly, it allows a party to control the decennial redistricting. Since 1966, all states have redistricted more-or-less together (before 1966 it was done willy-nilly; New Hampshire hadn't changed its lines since 1882).

And since that time, Democrats have controlled the process.

[listenhillary]

A good article discussing the mechanics of redistricting.

[nhwingut]

The Dems have to be kicking themselves. They had it all. And blew it... thanks to Obama.

[lonestar67]

This is a great article and quite encouraging.

It is sad to realize that democrats will gradually use the Courts to ban all action by Republicans to change these democratically designed districts.

Lawyers basically guarantee that Democrats always win in the end.

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

Smart political analysts know this was the true knockout of yesterday's fight.

Who gets elected now is one thing but WHO GETS ELECTED IN RE-DRAWN DISTRICTS FOR YEARS TO COME is the real prize.

This is a devastation to Democrats for their long-term prospects in American politics.

[IrishCatholic]

bookmark.

[GOPsterinMA]

“Lawyers basically guarantee that Democrats always win in the end.”

It’s time to get Nicky Scarfo-like:

http://books.google.com/books?id=p4DFKg_G-9AC&pg=PA73&lpg=PA73&dq=nicky+scarfo+judge+killing&source=bl&ots=TFYXV_nj4_&sig=kKoQhHIF30Vd2_eXurnQuS07bfQ&hl=en&ei=FB_STJu0FIO88gbpk-HWDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CCoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=nicky%20scarfo%20judge%20killing&f=false

[themoralcompass]

Unfortunately, the beginning of the last sentence in the article says it all -

“If the GOP takes full advantage of this opportunity,...”

Let’s hope they don’t squander this opportunity.

[AmericanInTokyo]

FOUR URGENT ISSUES FOR ALL OF THESE G.O.P. STATES:

a) REDISTRICTING

b) VOTER FRAUD AND MANDATORY I.D. AT POLLS & REGISTERING

c) ARIZONA-TYPE IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT LAW PASSED AND SIGNED

d) OVERSEAS MILITARY BALLOT SCREW-UP HIJINKS SITUATION (IF APPLICABLE)

[TonyInOhio]

A guest on Hugh Hewitt’s program this evening said that there are nearly 200 members of the US House from states due to be redistricted under GOP control. Astonishing!

[eclecticEel]

That’s nice, but we need Senators.

[Soul Seeker]

This is what I’ve been saying for months. Nice the media is finally playing catch up.

The only disappointments are Angle (all appearances suggest a horrible ground game hurt her most), Raese, and Miller (GOP’s fault). I guess Buck would be a disappointment but I’ve been irritated at him since he slighted the Tea Party that empowered him so good riddance.

Those 3 seats can’t compare to the House pick up, legislatures, Governor mansions, most state intitive and bonus we still had a net gain of 5 conservatives in the Senate or 6 if you consider Ayote one...

It wasn’t a flashy victory but I think conservatives who mistakenly were depressed last night are going to realize just how big this was in the next couple of years.

[quantim]

It was an absolute massacre here in the upper Midwest, just astonishing across several states.

Some genius in the SRM needs to start yapping about how these state legislatures flipped because of straight ticket votes (by dems) that have had enough.

[Think free or die]

"Smart political analysts know this was the true knockout of yesterday's fight. Who gets elected now is one thing but WHO GETS ELECTED IN RE-DRAWN DISTRICTS FOR YEARS TO COME is the real prize. This is a devastation to Democrats for their long-term prospects in American politics. "

Our GOP Area Leader has had this firmly in her sights, and has been actively working the issue with her counterparts on the PA GOP Committee. You can bet Pennsylvania, with its newly elected Republican Governor, Republican Senate and Republican House, will be re-drawing districts.

[listenhillary]

I’m happy that we have the house and not the Senate. Obama can’t blame congress without getting slime on the Democrat controlled Senate.

[Liz]

Dems have to be kicking themselves. Their worst night since 1928. They had it all. And blew it........thanks to Obama's "bitter clinging" to his healthcare debacle.

Democrats' suffered dramatic defeats at every level of government, in Washington, and beyond. Sweeping setbacks on Capitol Hill and the loss of multi-state governorships even in left-leaning states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania. They even lost Illinois, a Dem bastion (home to Ohaha and his WH crew).

Repubs flipped at least 14 chambers, and have unified control of 25 state legislatures. Fifty five state chambers are controlled by Repubs with a win of 500 Republican legislators.....100 in NH alone. In Maine, the Repubs have a trifecta---they control the governorship and both houses.

" Holy Allah. Illinois? Gone? That little twerp Rahm.
Him and his permanent Democrat majority."

[stephenjohnbanker]

hole-y hole-y hole-y

Down goes Obama Almighty

;-)