ILLINOIS – AS USUAL – AT 9:53 A.M. ET:  Illinois politics is not a game for children, or for those who crave fairness.  The Republican Party may take a beating in the next Illinois election because of how the oldest political game in town is played.  From The Politico:

The Democratic-controlled Illinois state Legislature is on the verge of passing a radically redrawn congressional map that has the national party basking in the prospect of ousting as many as six GOP House members — likely to be the Democrats’ biggest redistricting gain nationwide.

Final action won’t come until Tuesday, when the session is constitutionally required to end. But already, after a House committee’s party-line vote approving the plan on Sunday night, key players in both parties have stepped forward — without regard for seniority or the preferences of party bosses — to begin staking their claims to the new seats.

COMMENT:  Ah, democracy.  In fairness we should point out that, because of major gains by the GOP in state legislative elections last fall, most states should show increasing Republican strength because of redistricting. 

But the whole redistricting process leaves a sour taste.  It is one of the weaker links in the electoral chain, and there has to be a better way than to see Congressional districts carved up by whoever wins the last election.  But, until something better does come along, I hope our side isn't meek about demanding its share.

May 31, 2011