NEW BRUNSWICK — Members of the commission to redraw the state’s legislative districts are back at it today, this time without the high profile presence of Gov. Chris Christie. Commissioners are gathered at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, with each party’s delegation in their respective conference rooms on opposite sides of a long hallway. It’s still quiet and...
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NEW BRUNSWICK — Members of the commission to redraw the state’s legislative districts are back at it today, this time without the high profile presence of Gov. Chris Christie.
Commissioners are gathered at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, with each party’s delegation in their respective conference rooms on opposite sides of a long hallway. It’s still quiet and early in the day, with none of the excitement brought on by Chrisite’s visit yesterday.
Alan Rosenthal, the independent tie-breaking member, walked by a few reporters gathered in the hall.
“You have nothing better to do?” he joked. Rosenthal stopped just outside the Republicans’ room and chatted with commissioner Bill Palatucci and Republican redistricting counsel Ben Ginsberg.
The commission is getting down to business with less than a week to go before the constitutional deadline to establish a new map that, if history is any guide, will go a long way towards determining which party controls the state Senate and Assembly for the next 10 years.
“We continue to work on getting our maps in order,” said Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-Morris), leader of the Republicans’ redistricting team. “From the beginning, we’ve tried to come up with a map that reflects New Jersey’s demographics and gives both parties a chance to win a majority in the Legislature if they win a majority of votes.”
Previous coverage:
• Gov. Christie makes 'unusual' appearance at commission meeting to draw new legislative district map
• Early N.J. legislative redistricting plans by Republicans, Democrats widely diverge
• Tea party group submits proposed N.J. legislative redistricting map to commission
• N.J. redistricting commission struggles over redrawing legislative districts
• Rutgers professor appointed to redistricting commission downplays newfound power
• Rutgers professor to likely cast deciding vote in redrawing N.J. legislative districts
• Rutgers professor is appointed as tie-breaking 11th member on N.J. redistricting commission
