Georgia redistricting maps pass both House and Senate

The Georgia House and Senate voted along party lines on Thursday, approving maps of new district boundaries over objections from minority Democrats.

Debate on the new districts was long as legislators on both sides carefully chose their words, knowing that federal courts would likely review what was said if Democrats challenge the legality of the maps.

House redistricting chairman State Rep. Roger Lane, R-Darien, said Republicans have nothing to fear from a past lawsuit that resulted in the court imposing its own maps.

"Georgia is a red state. Certainly, if the courts redraw the maps as they did in 2003, it's going to favor Republicans," he said.

Democrats complained that the maps sponsored by Lane and Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, the Senate redistricting chairman, were designed to give the GOP two-thirds of the membership, the level needed to pass constitutional amendments without seeking any Democratic votes.

Read more: http://www.times-herald.com/local/Redistricting-maps-pass----both-House-and-Senate--1800525

Finding a Dem around here, or within 20 miles from here is close to impossible! I guess itmight make a diff. in the city of atlanta or Athens, because they are both predominantly Dem.

and it was a Democrat, Cathy Cox, who helped bring those machines to the state.

Isn't that interesting?

:think:

from its republican hangover; right now, folks seem to still be partying like its 1999. Nathan Deal wants to make this state more "business friendly" which is code-speak for reducing taxes and cutting back on education/social programs & infrastructure.

The positive from this will be that the pukes will "own" every decision made for the state (executive & legistlative) and it should make it easier to run as an outsider against their platform and record.

I believe the opportunity is here and now to start growing a new generation of Democrats, but this will be a multi-year to decades process.

Earlier this week, former ATL Mayor Shirley Franklin tweeted a statement to the effect of Republicans have never seen a gerrymander they didnt love (in reference to the redrawn district maps).

Pathetic, really. Still, it could apply some braking action ...

After this, there will be little to stop the state's sudden transformation into Redneckistan. I am working on my exit strategy now ... :D

Trav