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02/21/2012 09:07 PM

Debate over redistricting

By: Nick Reisman

Legislative leaders are hoping to have the redistricting process wrapped up by the end of the month. And that means the committee in charge of redrawing lawmakers’ districts is keeping busy even while most of their colleagues are on vacation. But as time winds down, the process is actually getting more complicated. Capital Tonight’s Nick Reisman reports.

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NEW YORK STATE -- Senate Republicans and Assembly Democrats this week are huddling in private week to finalize a reshaping of New York's political map. It's part of the once-in-a-decade redistricting process for Congressional, Assembly and Senate lines. While state districts are nearly completed, where House districts will go, and which two will be eliminated, is still be worked out.

Albany Assemblyman Jack McEneny said, “I'm optimistic. I think there's a will. I think people understand the added the pressure this year, the artificial deadline that was thrust upon it and I think there's a good spirit of cooperation and I hope we can come to terms.

It's possible that one of the districts be eliminated is the one currently represented by Democrat Maurice Hinchey who is retiring at the end of his term. Another district may be somewhere in the New York City area. But if Republicans and Democrats can't agree, then there will be two maps, further complicating the process. Meanwhile, Governor Andrew Cuomo has vowed to veto the maps, charging that they're being drawn so incumbents can protect themselves. Senate Democrats, who are trying to claw their way back to the majority, hope that's the case.

Senator Gustavo Rivera said, “We're lucky to have the governor that we have. He's made a commitment to veto any plan that comes from LATFOR because what his spokesperson said a couple of weeks ago is absolutely right. A bad process leads to a bad product.

Cuomo is under increasing pressure from minority groups to veto the lines. On Sunday, the Rev. Jesse Jackson told me in an interview that the governor should honor his commitment and issue the veto.

Rivera said, “There's districts that crack minority population all across the state, pack minority populations in other districts and really can disenfranchise minority communities all across this state.”

If redistricting wasn't complicated enough, a federal judge has changed New York's primary election for House races to June 26, giving potential challengers even less time to muster an effective campaign.

McEneny said, “If you're interested in replacing an incumbent who is of your party and the primary is on the 26th of June, you're going to have a very difficult time.”

A motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the legislative-driven task force was denied late Tuesday, paving the way for a three-judge panel to take control of the process. Lawmakers hope new lines will be approved by March 1. Then all eyes will turn to Cuomo to see if he follows through with his veto.