Hofeller RNC Redistricting Program

RNC Redistricting Program Underpins GOP Success in U.S. House and State Legislatures. Judging by the results of last month’s general election, The GOP was singularly successful in both the congressional and legislative elections. In the face of the Democrats’ holding on to the Presidency, as well as their majority in the U.S. Senate, the GOP was left decisively in control of the U.S. House and retained control of many legislative chambers, particularly in the South and Midwest. Many of the legislative chambers gained in 2010 remain solidly in GOP hands today. Certainly a major component of the Republican Party’s success was due to this decades redistricting effort in which the RNC, in partnership with the SGLF, was a major player. Beginning in 2009, the RNC’s redistricting staff began preparing GOP redistricting stakeholders for this once-a-decade process. The effort began with a survey of personnel and assets in each state – identifying key players. Baseline visits were made to key states, ascertaining the level of readiness in these states, and encouraging each state to begin preparing databases, selecting computer hardware and software, and training technical and political personnel. The RNC’s Office of the Chief Counsel spearheaded a program to prepare attorneys and legislative leadership in the current state of redistricting law, and to recommend strategies for successful legal efforts tailored to each state. The RNC has offered legal counseling throughout the process and is still heavily involved in ongoing redistricting litigation. In May of 2010 the RNC hosted two-day redistricting conference drawing over 275 participants from across the nations, who were taught by an impressive faculty of experts covering all aspects of redistricting. As we head into 2013, the redistricting process is still underway. A number of states are still involved in the line-drawing process or in litigations challenging or defending plans. A brief summary of individual states follows: • • • • Arizona – Arizona has a major lawsuit in progress challenging the constitutionality of its legislative districts. This case is being heavily supported by RNC resources and personnel. Montana – The RNC has been providing the GOP stakeholders with database support throughout their redistricting process, which is still ongoing. Texas – Both Texas’ congressional and legislative maps were thrown out by a threejudge panel in Washington D.C. An appeal is pending to the Supreme Court. It is likely that all three maps will be redrawn either by the court or the state legislature. RNC personnel will, most likely, be involved. Kansas – It is likely that the maps drawn by a court for the 2012 elections will be redrawn this year. The RNC personnel are already supporting this effort.

• • • • • • • • • Minnesota – Since the Democrats are now in control of the Legislature, it is possible that the Democrats may decide to replace the maps drawn by the courts with legislatively enacted plans. Minnesota has always requested RNC support. Florida – Florida’s congressional plan is under challenge with some involvement by the RNC being expected. We may already have to testify in the litigation. Tennessee – Tennessee’s senatorial map is being challenged by the Democrats and RNC personnel are assisting in that legal defense. Kentucky – Kentucky held elections for their state house under the old lines and will be redrafting this year. The RNC personnel will be assisting on both the legal and technical fronts. North Carolina – North Carolina’s congressional and legislative maps are being challenged by the Democrats. This is key state for the GOP, especially in terms of the congressional redistricting where 3 seats were gained and one more gain being possible in 2014. Virginia – There is a good chance that the Virginia Senate map drawn by the Democrats will be redrawn now that the GOP controls the Senate. We will assist in that effort. Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania has already requested assistance in the litigation regarding their legislative maps for the 2014 election. New York – The GOP lost partisan control of the Senate in 2012, although some Democrats have formed a coalition with the GOP to allow the GOP President of the Senate to maintain control. It is still possible, however, that the enacted Senate map may be replaced as well as the court-drawn congressional map. Maine – The GOP, having passed up the opportunity to draw the legislative lines when the controlled both chambers, are now facing the possibility of a hostile draw by the Democrats this year. They will now need assistance. We must also remain vigilant for cases, which can arise from a variety jurisdictions, that may establish important precedence during the decade which could have an immediate or future impact, such as Larios v. Cox, Bartlett v. Strickland, and NAMUDNO from last cycle. It is important that we maintain the resources to monitor, advise and respond to such cases.