An alternate take on redistricting strategy

February 8, 2012 at 10:31am

There's a negotiating tactic where one side in the discussion makes an outlandish proposal, knowing full well the other side will reject it. The proposers are really interested in a different offering, which will look much more appealing to the other side in comparison.

I have to wonder if that's what state Senate Republicans are up to regarding redistricting. Have they introduced a set of districts that are sure to get people so riled up that a different plan, one that still protects their majority but in a less obvious way, looks more appealing to the public?

Republicans haven't given any indication whether that's their strategy. But I'm not the only one asking the question. During a hearing in Queens yesterday, Democratic Senator Michael Gianaris suggested that Republicans were intentionally trying to draw the governor's veto, which they would follow by introducing slightly improved lines that would go to either the courts or the governor, reports the Associated Press.

Then again, maybe the Republicans drew up objectionable and seemingly gerrymandered districts solely to keep their majority. There may not be a deeper strategy. Only time will tell.

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