New NC GOP-led redistricting maps draw criticism

[The Northerner]

RALEIGH, N.C. — Seven-term Democratic Rep. Jennifer Weiss aggravated Republicans for years by pushing her party's agenda when it controlled the North Carolina House. The former finance committee leader peeved the new GOP majority more this year by speaking out against things on its own to-do list.

Now Weiss considers it a compliment on her legislative effectiveness when mapmakers proposed splitting her Cary subdivision between two House seats to rope her into a Republican-leaning district against first-term GOP Rep. Tom Murry of nearby Morrisville. The proposed district line takes a detour to within 600 feet of her home to scoop her up.

"I'm surprised the line didn't go right down the marital bed," Weiss quipped. "I'm happy that my husband can still vote for me."

Weiss would be one of several endangered House Democrats, if the proposed General Assembly maps for the next decade become law at the end of the month and are upheld by courts. Redistricting committees begin meeting in earnest later this week after public hearings on the maps are held statewide on Monday.

The data behind the House maps suggest a Republican tactic to pad their margins in the chamber by pushing out some outspoken opponents such as Weiss in current or emerging Democratic areas.

Read more: http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/9871982/