Interesting analysis, Matt. Another aspect that complicates this IMO: they are operating on the assumption that voters intuitively understand that life under Democratic control will be better. The overarching argument in favor of this gerrymander is that "we must do everything we can to fight fascism." Okay, fine. But if that's the narrative, any/all of these candidates need to go all-in on abolishing ICE (not just "more training" or slapping more bodycams on the tactical vests). Will they? IMO, with districts this contorted, abolishing ICE and prosecuting fascists must be the number one primary issue. But I have my doubts. I'd expect establishment Dems will do everything in their power to make it about anything and everything else.
Thank you, Matt! Your closing: "We fight like hell to win these seats. We pass the referendum. And we make sure Democrats hold and expand their congressional majority—because stopping the regressive MAGA agenda and positioning ourselves for victory in 2028 is bigger than any one map, any one district, or any one candidate.” is spot on!
The disrespect, in fact, serious insult to Democrats in that huge CD 9 is overwhelming, which includes Democrats in the districts that were absorbed by that new giant. I can't see it as anything but a huge sacrifice district. On an issue level, I am enraged because Adam Murphy, who is running as a Democrat there, is an admirable candidate, one definitely worth saving, and who knows how many could come in the future? Adam and Pete Barlow in Augusta County, who now finds himself in a CD that goes to Fairfax, have been thrown under the bus. Even if we vote no or the courts say no, the increased rural resentment will set their campaigns back. I can't convince myself that the Democrats in that huge rural area are going to be willing to vote yes and sacrifice themselves for such a short-term goal that will have long-term consequences.
At the same time, I live in northside Richmond, as solidly Democratic as you can get, but if these maps prevail from April 21 until the hypothetical replacement in January, my Representative is McGuire. For at least eight months my Representative is a Republican. I can't convince Jennifer McClellan, my Democratic Representative, to take a look at the very good Medicare for All Bill in the House. I know I won't have any luck with McGuire. There are 111 co-signers on the bill, but only two are Democrats. However, Murphy in the 9th district, has the bill at the top of his campaign page with a link to the bill. Neither of our Senators have signed the Senate version either. This is just one example of good, solid legislation that would benefit everyone that our Virginian representation, except for Don Byer and Bobby Scott, refuse to adopt. In the long run, what kind of Democrats will this move produce? We are in desperate times, and we need FDR-style Democrats, not more moderates. The maps disrespect both voters and good, common sense policy that is already in play but has little support with the emerging candidates that will be helped by this move. I guess they'll be great for the well-funded candidates who take money from PACs and especially AIPAC, not so good for us.
Interesting analysis, Matt. Another aspect that complicates this IMO: they are operating on the assumption that voters intuitively understand that life under Democratic control will be better. The overarching argument in favor of this gerrymander is that "we must do everything we can to fight fascism." Okay, fine. But if that's the narrative, any/all of these candidates need to go all-in on abolishing ICE (not just "more training" or slapping more bodycams on the tactical vests). Will they? IMO, with districts this contorted, abolishing ICE and prosecuting fascists must be the number one primary issue. But I have my doubts. I'd expect establishment Dems will do everything in their power to make it about anything and everything else.
Thank you, Matt! Your closing: "We fight like hell to win these seats. We pass the referendum. And we make sure Democrats hold and expand their congressional majority—because stopping the regressive MAGA agenda and positioning ourselves for victory in 2028 is bigger than any one map, any one district, or any one candidate.” is spot on!
The Democrats must fight fire with fire. When the Democrats gain control of our government they should ban gerrymandering.
The disrespect, in fact, serious insult to Democrats in that huge CD 9 is overwhelming, which includes Democrats in the districts that were absorbed by that new giant. I can't see it as anything but a huge sacrifice district. On an issue level, I am enraged because Adam Murphy, who is running as a Democrat there, is an admirable candidate, one definitely worth saving, and who knows how many could come in the future? Adam and Pete Barlow in Augusta County, who now finds himself in a CD that goes to Fairfax, have been thrown under the bus. Even if we vote no or the courts say no, the increased rural resentment will set their campaigns back. I can't convince myself that the Democrats in that huge rural area are going to be willing to vote yes and sacrifice themselves for such a short-term goal that will have long-term consequences.
At the same time, I live in northside Richmond, as solidly Democratic as you can get, but if these maps prevail from April 21 until the hypothetical replacement in January, my Representative is McGuire. For at least eight months my Representative is a Republican. I can't convince Jennifer McClellan, my Democratic Representative, to take a look at the very good Medicare for All Bill in the House. I know I won't have any luck with McGuire. There are 111 co-signers on the bill, but only two are Democrats. However, Murphy in the 9th district, has the bill at the top of his campaign page with a link to the bill. Neither of our Senators have signed the Senate version either. This is just one example of good, solid legislation that would benefit everyone that our Virginian representation, except for Don Byer and Bobby Scott, refuse to adopt. In the long run, what kind of Democrats will this move produce? We are in desperate times, and we need FDR-style Democrats, not more moderates. The maps disrespect both voters and good, common sense policy that is already in play but has little support with the emerging candidates that will be helped by this move. I guess they'll be great for the well-funded candidates who take money from PACs and especially AIPAC, not so good for us.