Rather than work with the Republicans on their redistricting plans for the 11 districts that must be redrawn, Governor Northam has decided he will veto the Republicans latest plan and punt the problem to the courts. Quite the profile in courage. Democrats are thrilled, they love it when the courts decide anything. Republicans, not so much. From the Richmond Times-Dispatch:
The decision drew immediate support from the House Democrats and denunciations from House Republican leaders, including Appropriations Committee Chairman Chris Jones of Suffolk, who proposed an alternative redistricting plan last week that he had hoped would win some Democratic support.
“It is hard to overstate my disappointment in the governor, someone I’ve known personally and professionally for over a decade,” said Jones, who was a key legislative ally of Northam in the passage of Medicaid expansion this year.
“I said last week that House Bill 7003 was a work in progress, and that I was willing to work in collaboration with members of both parties as I have always done throughout my career because I believe it is the right thing to do,” he said. “Unfortunately in this case, the right thing appears to have taken a back seat to those who are determined to win political power no matter the cost.”
Jones is right, this is pathetic. Much more on the story here.
