Free Republic

Redrawing districts has played a part in the recent midterm elections, and questions as to how districts may be redrawn as well as other issues are about to begin to define the individual state’s rights when it comes to federal elections. Some districts across the country have grown and need to be realigned, but gerrymandering, or manipulating the boundaries of a constituency so as to favor one party, is a concern. Last week saw the debate in court, as North Carolina’s closely-watched election is underway before the U.S. Supreme Court. North Carolina legislative leaders are appealing a ruling from the...

Much attention is being paid to the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy, but equally partisan battles are being waged for control of state courts around the nation. In states where voters elect Supreme Court judges, millions of dollars are being spent to reshape the courts for years to come. Judicial watchdogs say spending by national groups overwhelmingly favors judges on the right of the political spectrum, and is mostly aimed at maintaining or improving the courts’ responses to corporate interests while countering state-level spending by labor unions and other interest groups. Lawmakers are busy too, debating proposals to tip the balance...

Record spending on judicial elections around the country has prompted calls for changes from a broad array of advocates, including moderate conservatives such as retired Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor. But a report issued Thursday by a small conservative group active in judicial elections alleges that the efforts to change such elections amount to a campaign to bolster liberals, with backing from financier and philanthropist George Soros. The report from the American Justice Partnership alleges that Soros has spent millions on "a highly coordinated, well-funded campaign" to "fundamentally alter the composition of America's state courts." Some advocacy groups say...