As redistricting looms, Democrats jockey to counter GOP edge

[DonViejo]

Whoever controls the map-drawing wields enormous and long-lasting power over the U.S. political system.

Feb. 16, 2021, 7:34 AM EST

By The Associated Press

In the name of fairness, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his Democratic allies once welcomed the creation of a nonpartisan redistricting commission that would redraw congressional maps free of political influence and avoid contorted gerrymandering.

But now that the commission is stepping up its work, New York Democrats seem to be having second thoughts. The state may lose House seats and, under the old rules, Democrats would have had the power to redraw lines in their favor.

Some Democrats want to make it easier to overrule the commission.

As the once-a-decade redistricting conflicts heat up across the country, both Republicans and Democrats are wrestling with how far to press their advantage in a fight as consequential as any election. For Republicans that means building on the success of 10 years ago — even as some population and political trends work against them. For Democrats, it’s a test of their commitment to the changes they’ve long argued are needed to create a level playing field.

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https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/redistricting-looms-democrats-jockey-counter-gop-edge-n1257970