Wow. In a state known for the unusual, bizarre, and unexpected, the ruling by the New York State Court of Appeals to throw out New York’s Congressional lines was a BFD made bigger by the Court’s startling decision to also negate the districts for the New York State Senate. All this just 58 days before the scheduled Primary Day.
The fact that the Independent Redistricting Commission could not—or would not—agree on a second map was met by the Court with a recommendation more theoretical than a practical: ” Legislative leaders appoint a majority of the IRC members and, in the event those members fail either to appear at IRC meetings or to otherwise perform their constitutional duties, judicial intervention in the form of a mandamus proceeding, political pressure, more meaningful attempts at compromise, and possibly even replacement of members who fail to faithfully perform their duties, are among the many courses of action available to ensure the IRC process is completed as constitutionally intended.”
It will now be up to Court-appointed special master, Jonathan Cervas, to decide what New York’s electoral maps look like for the next decade. Cervas, a research fellow at Carnegie Melon University and a Ph.D. in political science, has served in a similar function in other states. The Court set May 16th as the deadline for coming up with new lines. He was preemptively selected by state Supreme Court Judge Patrick McAllister in the event that the maps were thrown out.
–Mostly though, what will the lines look like?
However, this would have to happen quickly. The language allows a candidate to decline their spot on the ballot until “the last day to certify”, which is Wednesday.
Down in D.C….
The stock market drop was another bad sign for Democrats as we get closer to midterm elections. The economic turmoil is reflected in voter concerns and President Biden has been aware for quite some time.
Meanwhile, President Biden announced his support for a $33 billion aid package for Ukraine this past week, as many military and security experts warn that the war is shaping up to become a long, protracted war of attrition for territories in the east and south of the country. The comprehensive aid package is aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s combat capabilities, reinforcing NATO’s European security posture, and supplementing the Ukrainian economy.
-Jack O’Donnell
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