Dear Lucas,
We had encouraging news in the fight for fair redistricting this week!
A panel of the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals has empowered Federal Magistrate Judge Roanne Mann to act as special master and take charge of New York's congressional redistricting. Over the next two weeks she will hear from all sides and present a fair, lawful, court-drawn map by mid-March.
With Judge Mann in charge, New Yorkers will have a chance to see how a nonpartisan federal judge can oversee the drawing of fair maps that respect the state constitution and federal law - quickly, cleanly, and without the Albany brinksmanship. The difference between Judge Mann and Albany's partisan schemes will be night and day.
Even better, she's set March 15 as the date she'll want a status update on state legislative redistricting. If she doesn't like what she hears, she may be able to take charge of the state legislature's map-drawing as well - which would, for the first time in decades, end New York's corrupt system of gerrymandering to protect incumbents and the parties in power.
We have a long way to go. The legislative leaders could still try to push through last-second partisan redistricting plans, daring Gov. Cuomo to make good on his threat to veto lines drawn by, and for, Albany politicians.
In the meantime, we are working hard with our potential No Bad Apples candidates - both announced and unannounced - to help them get ready to win in November, no matter what the maps look like.
New Yorkers are ready to demand more from Albany. The good-government Democrats we are working with are going to fight for reform and transparency in Albany - and that's at the heart of why they are going to win.
Sincerely,
