CA Republicans "could lose five or six congressional seats in 2012"

[RandySF]

Even though Democratic partisans put up the most resistance to the 2008 and 2010 ballot measures that empowered the citizens commission - Democrats control both houses of the Legislature, which drew the lines in the old system - Republicans may have the most to fear from a process that is blind to incumbency. The old way was akin to pro wrestling: There was always an element of theater in the howls and grimaces from the minority party. Incumbents of both parties were in on the deal to protect each other.

"The gerrymander of 2000 was drawn to keep as many Latinos as possible out of white Republican districts," Hoffenblum said. "That isn't going to happen this time around."

Garry South, a top-drawer Democratic strategist from Los Angeles, noted that the redistricting after the 2000 census carved out safe districts for Republicans in the Inland Empire and areas that were becoming increasingly Latino and Democratic. Those population shifts have only accelerated in the past decade.

The 2010 figures showed the statewide Latino population has grown 28 percent, the Asian population (another strong voting segment for Democrats) 31 percent - with heaviest population shifts to the valleys and foothills where Republicans have historically fared best. Orange County, once a GOP stronghold, went 67.9 percent for Ronald Reagan in 1980. It's become increasingly diverse - and Democratic. Sen. John McCain carried the county with just 50.2 percent of the vote in 2008.

South likes to cite a little-known fact that helps explain why California Democrats defied a national GOP tide in 2010: Republicans do not have a majority of registered voters in any of the 53 congressional or 120 legislative districts. GOP statewide registration is at 30 percent - and falling, he noted.

"The Republicans could lose five or six congressional seats in 2012," South suggested. Democrats now hold 34 of the 53 seats.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/12/INT11I6DNB.DTL

[LiberalFighter]

1. They should shoot to take control of 50 of the 53 seats.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Perhaps a few Republcians I know off can finally

"retire."

[Zoeisright]

3. Hopefully this will be the headlines around the country next year.

With asshole repukes thrown out on their dirty, corrupt asses.

[David__77]

4. The 2001 redistricting sucked!

I hated it. Gray Davis and the state Democrats were hellbent on incumbent protection. Democrats HAD just made many gains in 1998 and 2000, so I can understand not wanting to overplay one's hand, but they went too far.

[msongs]

5. would like to get rid of ken calvert in the riverside area nt

[Snoutport]

6. kick..cause we all need some happy news nt

[rufus dog]

7. Good

Because if we can't turn the tide elsewhere we may need a safe State for refugees from other States.

[neverforget]

8. I wish gerrymandering was a thing of the past throughout the country

[SoCalDem]

9. Me too.. There are better ways to redistrict

The Post Office seems to be able to draw boundary lines for zip codes..Maybe they should help:)

I'd like realistic lines drawn, by population numbers and let the cards fall where they may..

[Snoutport]

10. I agree. Our neighborhoods are mixed. Let the representation show that!