I'm not sure why New Jersey Democrats would waste their goodwill on something completely against the grain of popular Democratic sentiment. The amendment probably won't pass but lawmakers look like complete jackasses anyway. If you even wondered why the Democratic mascot is a donkey, Sweeney is your answer. If the amendment does pass, Democrats look even worse nationally.
Every Republican candidate is going to use New Jersey as an example to explain away their own malfeasance. New Jersey is making it harder for everyone else to reform their undemocratic power inversions. Democrats will win New Jersey and lose the nation for another generation.
The smart move would have been to establish a redistricting commission without asking. Set an example and use the issue to hammer away at Republican candidates. New Jersey could even follow Utah's example and include a steam valve. If things are going to far weird, the legislature has the power to override the commission. They simply do so at their own political peril.
Too late now though. New Jersey blew it. I'm so happy I got the out of that state when I did. New Jersey is still in free fall. New Jersey is ranked number two for resident exodus and the trend is only getting worse. If you haven't already, you should think about leaving now. Single party rule is no fun. Just wait till the bad parts start landing at your doorstep.
6
At last: a non-partisan editorial. Congratulations!
7
This NJ Democrat will vote no.
16
Aside from ethics, there is wisdom. The NJ Democrats supporting dirty tricks ignore the consequences of their acts, which extend beyond their myopic goal of consolidating power while sullying their reputation.
12
If ever there was a facepalm moment for Democrats, this is it. Greedy people never learn. It's so disheartening.
11
Stupid. The very reason the Dems got in is that people recognized the corruption in gerrymandering. Want to make a law, make it to restrict these immoral partisan antics.
9
It is refreshing to read this in the NY Times. All too often, the paper, its Editorial Board in particular, is extraordinarily hypocritical, with one set of standards and rules for conservatives and Republicans, and another for liberal and Democrats.
This editorial is honest. Gerrymandering and partisan election rigging is wrong whichever side of the aisle is behind it.
Good work, NY Times.
19
A possible silver lining: when republican voters see dems use the same dirty tactics as the GOP, it might help both sides come together to support non-partisan redistricting.
11
New Jersey, let’s lead by example and lead with data— let’s demand independently drawn districts, not this partisan proposal. I am a lifelong Democrat, a Garden State native and strongly opposed to this idea.
California is the best example we have of independently drawn districts. When districts are drawn independently, they are consistently competitive, attracting strong candidates and reflecting the will of the people. I want the system to be fair, not merely reflecting the will of the group in power.
5
Thanks to the Editors for their efforts to shoot down the myth that Republicans are the ones stifling the will of the people while Democrats are doing all they can to facilitate that will. While we must beware the temptation to create a false equivalence, it is nevertheless essential that we call out this sort of malfeasance when and where it occurs, regardless of party.
Taking this one step further, I grow weary of my fellow liberals' common assertions that if only the R's would stop their hyper partisan ways, the republic could once again thrive and grow - without realizing the fundamental inconsistency of this belief.
When we read or hear nothing that challenges our beliefs and everything that supports it, we will probably not acquire the ability to understand opposing views - and that is exactly why we have such a wide chasm between left & right in this country. When I see articles like this, and articles in conservative news outlets that are critical of the Trump regime, I have hope that, even in this maelstrom of opposing ideology there are still a few institutions who are more concerned with fact than with promotion.
8
This is not as bad as widespread voter suppression across the Midwest and South organized by Republicans, nor the extreme gerrymandering in Wisconsin, North Carolina and elsewhere. Scale matters. The GOP his now committed to authoritarian behavior as its only method of political survival. But it is bad enough, and no more attractive coming from Democrats.
We need non-partisan redistricting commissions in all 50 states.
5
Democrats, just don’t do this. Republicans’ contempt for democracy is not an excuse for Democrats to do the same.
9
In California the voters adopted a non-partisan approach to re-districting back in the 2000s. The California Democratic Party fought it tooth and nail (as did the Republicans). After only a few election cycles the result has been the creation of one of the bluest electorates in the country. Trust your voters, New Jersey Dems! Let the Republicans carry the mantle of the lying, cheating party of corruption into the 2020 election. Fire up your base, get organized on the ground and beat them on Election Day.
4
This political maneuvering is simply wrong - for Republicans and Democrats.
8
One reason I am a Democrat is we could always claim the high ground. If Democrats act like Republicans, good-bye Democratic party.
10
If we don't honor the precepts of a democracy in words and actions, we will deserve the consequences. That applies to We the people and our representatives.
8
NJ Democrats, already working hard to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
15
Americans are anti-democracy. The NYT and the Liberal media thinks otherwise, but Americans worship corporations and billionaires. Does that sound like what a proper democratic society should do? To worship corporations blindly and to worship billionaires hoping to get a crumb.
America is mediocre.
7
I almost fell over reading this - The New York Times is actually criticizing Democrats for their heinous double standards? Perhaps there is hope for mankind yet.
7
The people’s republic of New Jersey.
Last one out please flick off the lights.
6
"New Jersey Democrats Play Power Games Too". Ya think? NJ just re-elected Menedez to the senate. Dang.
8
"New Jersey Democrats Play Power Games Too"
OH MY GOD!!!!!
Are you sure???
Tell me that it isnt' true :( :(
4
Actually applaud this move...
A commenter from NC drove the point home for me, indirectly – citing decades-ago gerrymandering by the Dems, and more recently by the GOP...
The more fundamental common theme is not that both sides had done it at one time or another – it’s that they both did (and do) it to entrench civil inequality...
So – use any and all tools now at hand to eradicate civil inequality...
You have my vote on this...
If someone’s come at you with an AR-15 – and you can wrestle it from them while they’re momentarily distracted...
Use any and all tools now at hand to get through the day and back to those you love...
After all, NYT Editorial Board – this tack should by now be quite familiar to you...
PS
If, though – in your enthusiasm – you try to eradicate economic inequality...
I’ll be counting on my centrist Senators and Governor to keep things sensible...
NJ’s, too...
@W in the Middle
Because your centrist senators and governors are doing such a GREAT job of keeping things sensible these days. What an appalling philosophy--it's called 'the ends justify the means and has been a favorite of dictators and juntas for centuries.
1
@W in the Middle
So...you're saying oppressive economic inequality is a good thing?
While you may be enjoying the temporary ability to label such a damnable philosophy "centrist", more traditionally we'd call you Fascist and a soulless money-grubber.
Which seems to fit the bill.
I, personally, would add insufferably arrogant, as you choose to ignore the many wealthy and powerful capitalist democracies which have managed such affairs far more successfully than US. At least until the recent onslaught of corporate globalism freed the rich from any consideration for the health of the nations in which they reside.
1
The reptilian, knuckle-dragging, primordial instinct to rig the game when you think you can "get away with it" is no less repugnant when exercised by Democrats than when perpetrated by Republicans. What's unfair and undemocratic in Kansas, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Michigan is not somehow transmorgrified into being "OK" when Democrats achieve the upper hand in NJ (and I say this as a liberal progressive that absolutely despises Republicans and all they have done to our country over the last several decades). The failure of the Democratic Party establishment in NJ to see this and to refrain from taking this course of action truly marks them as no better than their Republican counterparts in Kansas, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Michigan. Not a good look. As for NJ Senate President Stephen Sweeney, would you want him to teach your child's Sunday School? THE most damning aspect of this power play by the NJ Democrats is that it completely undercuts the moral argument Democrats have nationally to argue against systemic Republican gerrymandering across the United States. Alas, Mr. Sweeney is too much a troglodyte, too much a moral black hole, too much a politician to see this. (But I repeat myself.)
14
Yes, the Democrats play power games. They have to. Do they have a choice? No. The Republicans have been doing just tha in every dirty way possible. Wisconsin's Governor's power grab before Democrats can come in January. Just like Republicans' support for this President whom they really abhor. Just like McConnell's outright refusal to even a hearing for Judge Garland and pushing Judge Kavanaugh to the Bench. Just like he made filibuster a dirty word. Gerrymandering. And now overturning Affordable Care Act as unconstitutional. Now New Jersey Democrats are being criticized for playing dirty? They should and they have to. As a matter of fact the Democrats nationally should be doing the same. There is no playing nice or being bi-partisan with current Republicans. Ask President Obama.
2
Has the NYTimes figured out that Republicans are bad guys? They cater to the rich, lie to get their way, and have just gotten the ACA invalidated. They are at war with the general public.
The NYTimes problem with Republicans is another indicator that journalism has a fundamental problem. It loves to put up a false equivalence, thinking this is correct coverage. The Clinton emails is a great example. Another example occurred when weekend television shows, a few weekends ago, had on nonscientists denying climate change. Climate change is an established fact. There is no such thing as balanced coverage. It is amazing that journalists don't learn a thing.
1
Seems even North Carolina is closer to an enlightened (fair) revision to redistricting than NJ. Common Cause needs more involvement in NJ and more members.
2
From Far-West to Far-Everywhere.
If we should not inquire as to the political party of a stickup artist before, during, and after his arrest and trial, we should not inquire as to the political party of representatives attempting to game the system for their own benefit.
Still much better than Trump-loving Republicans!
Corrupt, Corrupt, Corrupt
Shamelessly Corrupt
A Plague upon both Parties.
3
They go low we go high, how has that been working out? Politics is a blood sport. We are getting slaughtered.
Time to go low gents. Take our power and jam it down their throats. That’s what they’ve been doing to us for many years. Wake up already.
2
Agreed, Democrats should not respond to Republican attacks on democracy with their own attacks on democracy. This should be obvious. If you want any justice when out of office, you should provide some while in office.
4
'It’s not a surprising move by veteran politicians who are experts in protecting their own power.'
Call me old fashioned - but if this article was about Republican gerrymandering I doubt we would have seen this sentence in the article. But far from me to call the NYT Democrat leaning.
The Roseannadanna version of this editorial:
Remember all the outrage we have printed over Republicans and Wisconsin? Never mind!
5
I am a lifelong Democrat and a resident of Pennsylvania, but I sure wish I could vote in a New Jersey election so I had a chance to get Steve Sweeney out of office. Shame on you, sir. Politicians like you give the rest of us Democrats a bad name.
5
@Eric Schneider The DNC political machine sez...."Jump on in, the water's fine in NJ" "Vote early...vote often"
2
This editorial is just another attempt by the media to play the false equivalency game. "Oh, but Democrats are just as bad". This plan is nothing like what the Republicans in Wisconsin, Michigan and North Carolina are doing. In fact, as pointed out in the piece, Phil Murphy is against it and, statewide, voters would get a say. This plan is a far cry from those back room, dead off night abominations that the Republicans are forcing upon voters.
9
Careful what you call a Democrat. These ' No Label', Problem Solvers Caucus & 'New Democrat' types are nothing more than somewhat moderate corporate Republicans who are opportunists thata will jump at any chance to advance the neoliberal agenda. Don't be fooled by a 'Democratic' state. Look at NY where they just ousted those 'Democrats' that were caucusing with the GOP
1
Here is the difference:
In New Jersey it's Democrats and in Wisconsin its Republicans.
Two teams playing the same game. That people believe it is any different shows how delusional they are about politics.
No matter who you vote for, the Treasury Secretary will be a Goldman Sachs alumni.
5
Trump was right (!); evidently, Democrats are tired of winning.
Invigorated by popular outrage over Republican skullduggery in the states, New Jersey Dems figure its time to lend credence to the popular meme that everything Republicans do is terrible, but its OK when Democrats do the same.
For all the calumny heaped upon the young "extremists" who brought the Left (so-called) some measure of legitimacy, and unprecedented excitement among the electorate, leaders have decided their best bet is vile politics as usual.
While we're banking on Governor Murphy to save their bacon, Democrats are treated to the spectacle of Sweeney and his brain-dead posse attempting to reinstate partisan politics as usual in the face of massive protests from the voters.
If these boys want to accomplish something without killing their nascent momentum, they'll scrap this travesty and find a way to empanel a non-partisan committee to undo decades of ill-advised gerrymandering.
Its time to show voters a little respect and muzzle Mr. Sweeney before the damage becomes permanent.
Still, in a way, its good to see bone-heads are evenly distributed between the parties. Its only fair, I suppose.
1
If it's wrong when the Republicans do it and it certainly is, it's wrong when the Democrats do it. Maybe even more so. I mean, I expect Republicans to be self-serving, antidemocratic tools of their moneyed masters, holding onto power at all costs. I had expected better of Democrats, but it seems that when you scratch the surface of a politician, you find a politician.
3
This is disgraceful and in the long run, damaging. It's gratifying that Governor Murphy opposes this nonsense but I would like to see more Dems at the national level go on record as opposing any kind of unfair redistricting plans.
The low road is a well worn path, littered with Republicans' candy wrappers. There are alternate routes for us.
2
Keep this up and not too far in the futire the entire country will be gerrymandered and State Houses will either be left wing or right wing, no inbetween.
The voters need to get propositions on their state ballots and put the power back where it belongs, with the citizens.
3
Here's the difference:
When anti-democratic forces among Democrats propose such things, important liberal voices speak out against it.
Where are the conservative voices against Wisconsin, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina?
Do Republicans have to be literally and criminally destroying ballots before there is even a feeble wince of criticism?
Its not a matter of 'when they go low, we go high-ism'. Its a matter of principles and support for the democratic process that creates our republic.
8
@Richard
It's a difference with no distinction Richard. Corruption is corruption is corruption. They're despicable.
2
There they go, never missing an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Stop this Democrats!! Post-blue-wave, the Republicans in Wisconsin and Michigan reach into the political sewer, something they also did in North Carolina after Roy Cooper was elected, and they forever ceded the moral high ground on the gerrymandering/voter suppression issue. That moral high ground had a lot to do with why there was a blue wave. Yes, play hardball Democrats, but not like this, not this way. Don't become the Republicans.
8
This is both bad policy and reprehensible politics. Power grabbing is power grabbing,whether it comes from the right or the left. It is an assault on the very concept of the 'will of the people' and a stain on constitutional democracy.
The Democrats who are engineering this manuever are no better than the Republicans in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Michigan who are employing similar tactics. NJ Democrats should come to their senses and stop it.
3
"Widespread outrage"? Not enough. To me the outrage isn't "widespread" enough until voters remove the villains from office.
Until there is enough outrage to induce a majority of voters to insist on legislative fairness and election reforms, Democrats would seem to be justified in fortifying their positions against similar Republican attacks in the future and Republicans will use that as justification for their present fortresses.
As for Trump, we elected him and if we don't want him and don't want his drooling sycophants then we had better vote him out of office or else we deserve what we voted for -- or didn't vote at all.
5
It was the same NYTimes that applauded with an Editorial when Mayor Michael Bloomberg set aside term limits to stay in office 12 years, not 8.
Its concern now with our politicians usurping excess power is ironic to say the least.
Its clear Democrats are as corrupt as Republicans, engage in pay to play, are corporate mouthpieces, and sneak power.
As each party says to every American as they do it:
Let them Eat Cake!
1
Absolutely shameful, and horribly contrary to the image the Democratic party is trying to cultivate nationally as the champion of fair elections.
This helps no one except a handful of New Jersey politicians. Meanwhile, it will likely sour independents and others on what the Democrats can offer to a cynical and disenfranchised populace.
C'mon, NJ Dems -- end this absurdity now. Let's stop shooting ourselves in the foot and come together one and all to stand for something decent and fair, please?
6
When these NJ legislators (bill sponsors) keep saying how this is being done to serve the people of the state, they're lying through their teeth. Rationally, one only has to see what condition NJ is really in (high taxes, crumbling infrastructure, pension underfunding/unsustainability, etc, etc), all the while having a Democratic legislature in power for many years and doing nothing to improve things, to understand this is a simple power grab. It truly is insidious.
1
It’s about time Democrats wised up. Republicans aren’t going to play nice, why should Democrats? The 2020 census is coming up and if Dems don’t fight and cheat like Republicans they’ll keep losing.
@Scott D: Because the land of "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" is quickly reduced to a land of blind people gumming their food, that's why. Each tit-for-tat simply gives rise to the next escalation, the cycle has to be broken somewhere.
1
This is as bad or even worse than the blatant manipulation of Republicans in Wisconsin, North Carolina, etc. If there may be one positive aspect in this, it is that the NJ Democrats will drive it to such an extreme that Republicans will go to court to challenge it and that ultimately the Supreme Court will finally decide on democracy defying efforts such as gerrymandering, voter suppression, etc.
1
State senate president Sweeney may be a democrat, but he certainly isn’t “democratic” in his time in the state senate. He is an enabler to anyone who has power, including the former governor, Christie. Mainly, he is a lackey of George Norcross, a vestige of old time party bosses, who, under the cover of being a union man, has blocked progressive changes in this state for years. When former governor Florio tried to rectify the debacles that Kean and Whitman created with their budgets, Norcross and his men used a “peoples” revolt urged on by a local radio station no less, to undermine Florio and his agenda. This new move by Sweeney and by default, Norcross will only turn voters against the Democratic Party and portray it as corrupt as those republicans in Wisconsin and Michigan. I’m not 100% for Murphy yet, I think he still has a learning curve, but I do applaud him for standing up to this bully of a political hack who doesn’t seem to realize his brand of politics is no longer wanted .
7
This is a prime example of thinking tactically, not strategically. (The same goes for the obnoxious moves made by WI & MI Republicans, amongst others.) They all need to bear in mind that what goes around comes around, and that they will not have a majority in perpetuity. In the long run, it is good both for the parties, and above all for the voters, tat gerrymandering be kept to a minimum, or better yet, abolished outright.
2
Is there ANY party that seeks real fairness anymore? As a lifelong Democrat, I am utterly ashamed at this brazen move by NJ Dems to tip the balance of power in their favor.
How do they live with themselves? How can they look in the mirror and say to themselves "What I'm trying to do is right and just?"
4
As you say, it would be nice if the New Jersey Democratic Party was more ethical. But this is a party controlled by a small number of county bosses. I admire Gov. Murphy, who is certainly on the right side of this issue, but let's be honest: Murphy effectively bought the Democratic nomination by donating $$$ to party bosses. Those same party officials and office-holders raced to nominate Sen. Robert Menendez for another term, even though he was undeniably guilty of taking gifts valued at several hundred thousand dollars from a wealthy donor. So, I hope that the Democratic Party's obnoxious, crooked gerrymandering scheme is defeated, but we will still have a loooooooong way to go if we ever expect to have open, honest politics here in the Garden State.
7
I hope the good people of New Jersey find ways to stop this hypocrisy in action. Independent non-party commissions to redraw legislative and congressional boundaries. No politicians.
Concerned and honest Democrat.
2
As a lifelong Democrat, I have seen no official word from the NJ State or the National DNC in any interviews or stories on this NJ gerrymandering plan. This silence is troubling and UnAmerican. I do like Michelle Obama's "when they go low, we stay high", but at times we as Democrats stay on the "high road" too often. However, this is one position to stay on the better and democracy focused highroad. The avoidance of ALL gerrymandering is fundamental and a backbone principal of our way of life.
1
Two wrongs don't make a right. Revenge is not good governance. Unchecked power leads to corruption. Districts should not be gerrymandered in any way, period. Let the people fairly decide.
Democrats only need a level playing field to win. Democrats don't need an unfair advantage because they have the policies that the people want. The problem we currently have is minority rule shoving 18th century beliefs and policies down our throats. Democrats can beat that hands down in a fair fight. No tricks required.
15
Gerrymandering is wrong, regardless of Party affiliation. It needs to stop. How can any country be considered a democracy if citizens' votes don't count. It simply needs to stop, everywhere.
8
NJ voters will have a chance to fix this. Our Democratic governor is on the side of democracy and so are lots of our Dem politicians. It's a problem but we'll fix it with the statewide vote (if it comes to that).
Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, Michigan and NC, Republican politicians subvert the will of their voters.
The problem in NJ isn't great but it's NOTHING like the problem in these other three states.
13
It would seem logical for the D party taking over to reverse GOP gerrymandering to make things "even" again. To keep the electoral laws in place that the GOP rammed through to keep them in power and give unfair advantage to GOP candidates and usurp the role of the voter doesn't make sense.
2
It would behoove the Democratic party to add "fair elections" to their 2020 platform. If they want to be the party that takes the high road, then they need to walk the walk. Such a stance would include advocating for non-partisan redistricting as well as challenging the Citizens United Supreme Court decision. Otherwise, they risk disillusioning those recently inspired to take part in the political process. Don't do this in NJ, Democrats!
22
I'm a NJ Democrat who believes in democracy.
If this proposed amendment is on the ballot, I will vote no.
I have already contacted my State Senator and my State Assembly representatives to urge them to vote no. I urge all NJ Democrats to do the same. For reference, the bills are SCR152 (the Senate version) and ACR205 (the Assembly version).
These bills provide the text that would appear on the ballot and that text is designed to sound as innocuous as possible. The language is presented as a series of questions. Among them are:
Do you approve changing the Constitution to change the membership of the Apportionment Commission, require public hearings, and set standards for the way it creates legislative districts?
Do you approve requiring that at least two members of the public serve on the commission?
Do you approve requiring the commission to provide information to and take comments from the public?
The interpretative statement even make a point to mention that the members of the commission "would be appointed with regard to ethnic, gender, and racial diversity..."
So much of the ballot language is designed to make a well-meaning but poorly informed Democratic voter think the proposal sounds reasonable and fair.
This bill must be voted down... if not by the legislature, then by the voters.
And, it's time for all 5 primary sponsors--Sweeney, Scutari, Greenwald, Murphy, and Holley--to be voted out of office for this incredible lapse of judgement.
30
@John
As a lawyer, I wrote the language for a ballot measure one time at the behest of a NJ politico.
I had to write it so it sounded just great, and it was not neutral, but sounded that the only right and logical way was to vote our way. It felt like a subversion of democracy.
Politics is for scoundrels.
4
New Jersey has been trying to bury its reputation as "the Soprano state" for a while now.
This legislation will not help.
America urgently needs non-partisan redistricting - not political chicanery that plays right into the hands of arguments of whataboutism.
22
@Matthew Carnicelli Leave it to a NY'er to invoke a stereotype.
2
There is a HUGE difference between what happened in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Michigan and what's happening in New Jersey. In North Carolina and Wisconsin, the Republican governors signed the legislation which was wholeheartedly supported by the states' Republican parties. In New Jersey, in contrast, the Democratic governor and parts of the Democratic Party oppose it.
If this legislation is needed in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Michigan, why wasn't it enacted before these states elected Democratic governors?
I assume the constitutions of all four states specify which powers belong to the executive and which belong to the legislature. It would be unconstitutional for the legislature to appropriate powers which belong to the executive.
1
As a Democrat, how can I not be proud to read the comments of my fellow Democrats to this article? I wish it weren't the case, but there is presently a fundamental ethical difference between the Republican Party, where the end seems to justify pretty much any means at all, and the Democrats, who understand that our system of government is in great part an end in itself.
35
@sing75 How on earth can you conclude that the Democrats are somehow this bastion of ethics & virtue? Both parties are morally and ethically challenged and that is putting it politely. This conservative is not entirely happy with how the GOP is conducting itself in all matters of government. But the Democrats don't have much to be proud of either. How many Illinois governors have landed in prison over the past four decades? All but one of them were Democrats. How big of a mess is Detroit???
1
@Alan The phrase "bastion of ethics & virtue" is yours, not mine. But other than that, I do appreciate your response.
To see what I mean by the difference between the present Republicans and Democrats, simply read the comments to this article. We may assume that most of the commenters are Democrats, yes? And yet they are for the most part very critical of the gerrymandering that some Democrats are attempting in New Jersey.
It's my observation that pretty much the only Republicans who've criticized the actions of their present party are those who've resigned from office. The party doesn't tolerate criticism from within.
I sympathize with Republicans today who are expected to enthusiastically support everything the GOP does. I've been a Republican, and today's party doesn't bear much similarity to the GOP I knew.
In 2010, Karl Rove and the Koch Bros money ran a very successful campaign to take over state legislatures--for the purpose of gerrymandering. This to me is gaming the system. What Scott Walker has done is gaming the system..and destroying it.
Republicans generally show concern about the national debt, yet I hear no complaints from Republicans about that debt growing at the fastest pace since 2012.
I don't like what's being attempted in New Jersey by my party. What don't you like about what Republicans are doing today? Who knows, maybe we agree on a great many things.
2
Political gerrymandering doesn't just skew the party's political power but it leads to more extreme partisan divisions. By creating "safe" seats, the party primaries lead to contests favoring in increasingly more ideological candidates. "Competitive " districts favor candidates who must reflect a more inclusive viewpoint in order to succeed...hence representatives who will govern from the middle rather than the fringes.
Gerrymandering is not a good idea for either party or democracy.
44
As a NJ Democrat, I would like the state to remain blue forever, but not if it requires this kind of cheating that has long been associated with the GOP. The Democrats can continue to win elections, as they did in the midterms, by not only creating legislation that helps people, but also by being as effective as possible in communicating the strength of their policies--most of which most Americans agree with, if the party labels are removed. I hope Governor Murphy makes it clear that he is not interested in the state's Democrats adopting the shenanigans of the Republicans in order to win elections. Like my mom taught me years ago, two wrongs don't make a right.
72
At least we here in New Jersey put our gerrymandering corruption to a statewide vote by New Jersey residents.
You would never see a Republican-dominated state legislature consider the will of the people in blessing their corruption, which they prefer to do in the darkness of night that matches their wicked souls.
Democrats have always had a soft spot for democracy....in the spite of the ugly and unacceptable corruption that is gerrymandering.
54
@Socrates: "At least we here in New Jersey put our gerrymandering corruption to a statewide vote by New Jersey residents."
It's still gerrymandering. As my chemistry teacher once opined, "No matter how you paint it, and outhouse is still an outhouse."
"Democrats have always had a soft spot for democracy...."
Democrats are just as self-serving and power-hungry as Republicans.
4
@Socrates: You obviously never heard of Thomas Dunn.
I'm for democracy before I'm for any party. Gerrymandering is wrong. Democrat, Republican, doesn't matter. It's wrong. Redistricting should be done mathematically and objectively with NO possibility of partisan influence. It Must be uniformly done across All states to be fair to all the citizens.
There are other anti-democracy rules or lack thereof in the US. The equation of money = speech is anti-democracy. It effectively gives the wealthy more votes than those without money. If that is not true, then there is no reason to object to restricting it. But it is, everybody knows it, still those with money pretend it's not true.
Establishment Party Corruption is anti-democracy. Requiring politicians to sell themselves to big money donors to get party endorsement is fundamentally corrupting. The "voice" of these donors is "heard" over the voice of the constituent voters.
The fundamental thing voters want in politics and politicians is Integrity in representing voters. Integrity has only recently become "a thing" with the rise of anti-big money democrats who the democratic party tries to thwart. Integrity is the actual wave that will change our country. The Blue Wave means next to nothing. The integrity wave means everything. That is what voters actually want. It is going to be the defining political requirement in 2020 and beyond. It means in clear terms, no big money in campaigns. Citizens before corporations. The middle and poor before the wealthy.
24
I live in North Carolina so these atrocities are nothing new to me. It was wrong when the Democrats did it here in previous decades, it's wrong after 2016 when the Republicans were doing it here more viciously (not because they're more vicious but because the computers have gotten better), it's wrong in Wisconsin and it's wrong in New Jersey.
A wave of honest bipartisan outrage over this would make me feel much better about the future of our republic.
46
@Eric Hamilton: "A wave of honest bipartisan outrage over this would make me feel much better about the future of our republic."
Neither Democrats nor Republicans in any state want to even think about sharing power if they can figure a way of keeping it all to themselves.
1
@hm1342 not true, I am helping to lead the multi-partisan coalition against this constitutional amendment that includes Obama’s AG Eric Holder, Governor Murphy, 6 County Democratic chairs, many Dem. state legislators, every Republican state legislator, the League of Women Voters, academics, environmentalists, traditional progressive groups, and an overwhelming number of the new good government grassroots resistance movement groups that developed as a result of the 2016 election and led the wave that flipped 4 federal House seats in NJ!
10
As a lifelong NJ Democrat, I am disgusted by this power grab. We have to oppose gerrymandering, no matter the source and however it’s disguised. Hopefully this will never get far enough to be on the ballot, but if it does, voters cannot complain about shenanigans in other states and support this. I am frankly tired of the Democratic machine lock on our party, including freezing out any credible primary challenge to Bob Menendez.
37
@Lauren Green I completely agree SICK of the machine stranglehold on State of NJ Dem politics.
1