As RedState reported previously, the Florida Senate, led by Republican Wilton Simpson (currently endorsed by Donald Trump to run for Agriculture Commissioner), released two “final” Congressional redistricting map proposals a week ago. To be honest, these maps gave Democrats an easy ride, moving from the 16-11 R2D map to one that is 16-12 R2D.
It was difficult to comprehend why any Florida Republican would surrender redistricting in face of the massive gerrymanders in New York and California by Democrats. This was a mirror of the bizarre proposal from Missouri’s GOP leadership.
However, Gov. Ron DeSantis would reply. He would oppose any map like that. He would he present his own proposal. Now we know the answers to these two questions.
DeSantis doing what needs to be done…again https://t.co/5KTUR2AEqf
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) January 17, 2022
Here’s what continuous leadership lessons look like. DeSantis’ critics derided him for releasing his redistricting plan, claiming the last four governors stayed out of the fight. Instead of backing down the governor did exactly what was necessary. In this case, that meant releasing a map that put pressure on the Florida Senate, letting it be known that he’s going to veto any map that doesn’t take full advantage of Florida’s Republican shift over the last several years.
Now, as to the question of whether DeSantis’ map could pass muster via the courts, the answer is almost certainly yes. Florida’s Supreme Court is very conservative. The Voting Rights Act, which has become a bludgeon for attacking Republican gerrymanders and leaving Democrat gerrymanders alone, would not likely apply to the drawn districts except FL-5. Federal challenges could be filed. This issue deserves to be addressed even though it is difficult.
In response to DeSantis’ map, leftwing election Twitter is insisting that it will never pass the legislature. That assumes Republicans will be openly supportive of Democrats and join the war against Governor Scott in order for Democrats to win a significant redistricting victory. Does that sound probable, or does it sound more like DeSantis called the Senate’s bluff here? They aren’t going to nuke their own political careers to help protect Frederica Wilson.
As has been his trend, DeSantis is once again engaging in a battle worth fighting, and it’s one many other Republicans would shy away from. It is impossible to pass something worse than the 20-8 R-to-D map of Florida. The governor understands the importance of this moment as we head towards 2022’s national elections. Anyone Republican who would wave the white flag in this area, Mr. Simpson included, needs to be strongly opposed.
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