Virginia Supreme Court Delivers First Ruling in Redistricting Fight
The Supreme Court of Virginia has already issued a ruling in the case involving a gerrymandered map drawn by a majority of Democrats in the state. Justices denied a request for an emergency stay of last week’s Tazewell ruling that said the State Board of Elections can’t certify the results of Virginia’s redistricting referendum, according to reports.
The ruling is merely on the request for a stay, as experts online explained, not on the merits of the appeal. It comes after the court heard arguments on Monday about whether the vote approving the gerrymander earlier this month was legal and constitutional.
If upheld, the newly redrawn map, which was only narrowly approved by a 51-48.3% margin, would change the current 6R-5R congressional seat makeup to 10D-1R. “The proposed amendment is invalid for several reasons, any one of which is sufficient to invalidate the proposed amendment and require invalidation of the vote,” Thomas McCarthy, lawyer for the Republican challenge, concluded in the hour-long hearing on Monday, Fox News reported.
The Republicans argue that the Democrat-led General Assembly violated procedural rules by presenting a constitutional amendment to voters, which would allow mid-decade redistricting.
If the court determines that the lawmakers did indeed break these rules, it could invalidate the amendment, making last week’s statewide vote meaningless.
“It’s often said ours is a government of laws, not of men,” McCarthy continued. “Sadly, that’s not the case if a bare partisan majority can circumvent the constitutional amendment process and undermine the rights of the people in whom all government power ultimately rests – also, that partisan majority can transform our system from a nonpartisan one where the voters elected representatives into a partisan one where the representatives select their voters.”
“We ask that the court enforce the constitutional amendment process by affirming the decision below, declaring the proposed amendment invalid and enjoin certification of the election,” he added.
Attorneys for Democratic legislative leaders urged the Virginia Supreme Court to uphold the amendment and allow the new map, arguing that voters and lawmakers had followed every step required by the state Constitution.
In rebuttal, attorney Matthew Seligman said, “The people did, in fact, validly ratify the proposed amendment last Tuesday,” arguing further that challengers were trying to undo a democratic process that had already been completed through legislative approval and a statewide vote.
At one point, the justices acknowledged that courts allowed the vote to be held despite ongoing legal challenges.
Seligman also argued before the justices that the challengers’ case relies on reading limitations into the Constitution that do not actually exist. He stated that the General Assembly has control over its own procedures and that there is nothing in the Constitution preventing lawmakers from acting as they did during the special session.
Seligman maintained that the legal definition of “election” supports the state’s position that the amendment was passed before the relevant November election.
In closing, he noted that federal law and court precedent support the view that Election Day occurs on a single day in November, which undermines the challengers’ argument, even though Democrats support weeks’ worth of early voting and early voting took place in Virginia in regard to the redistricting effort.
The Virginia court proceedings represent the latest development in a national redistricting conflict between Republicans and Democrats, each striving for an advantage in the upcoming November election that will determine whether Republicans can maintain their slim majority in the House.
Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R), meanwhile, said last week he believes the state Supreme Court is likely to strike down the state’s newly approved map.
Cuccinelli made the remarks during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper on Friday. He pointed to both procedural concerns and constitutional questions surrounding how the measure was brought before voters, adding he thinks the decision to overturn will be unanimous at 7-0.
Spencer Pratt SURGES POSTING VIRAL LA Animal Ad And THIS Happens As He NOW Leads Over Karen Bass FULL STORY: In a surprising twist in the Los Angeles mayoral race, reality TV star Spencer Pratt has surged ahead in the polls, challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. As the election approaches, Pratt's campaign has gained momentum, resonating with voters through a viral animal welfare advertisement that highlights the plight of neglected animals in the city. This ad has sparked discussions about Bass's handling of the animal shelter crisis and homelessness in Los Angeles. With only days left until the election, Pratt's message is clear: he aims to bring about significant change by addressing these pressing issues. Meanwhile, Bass continues her campaign efforts, facing increasing pressure as the race tightens. The dynamics of this election have captured national attention, raising questions about celebrity influence in politics and the future of Los Angeles. - Trends.newsonline.biz
Spencer Pratt SURGES POSTING VIRAL LA Animal Ad And THIS Happens As He NOW Leads Over Karen Bass
In an unprecedented turn of events, the Los Angeles mayoral race has taken a dramatic twist as reality television star Spencer Pratt emerges as a serious contender against the incumbent mayor, Karen Bass.
The campaign has gained national attention, with Pratt wrapping up a media tour in New York City that has propelled him into the spotlight.
As the election date draws near, the race has become increasingly competitive, with recent polls indicating a neck-and-neck battle between Pratt and Bass.
Matt Finn, reporting from Los Angeles, highlights the tense atmosphere as both candidates ramp up their efforts to secure votes.
Karen Bass, the Democratic incumbent, has been actively campaigning, holding rallies and events to galvanize her supporters.
At a recent rally at the SEIU Union Building, Bass addressed her opponents, including Pratt, whom she referred to as a “TV reality star villain.”
Her remarks drew laughter from the crowd as she emphasized the importance of choosing a leader who truly cares for the community rather than a celebrity figure.
Bass’s campaign is focused on her experience and commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Los Angeles, including homelessness and public safety.
However, Pratt’s campaign is gaining traction as he appeals directly to mothers and animal lovers, positioning himself as a candidate who will prioritize the needs of families and pets.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Pratt stated, “Moms are getting me elected because I’m saying, ‘Oh, as mayor, I’m going to enforce the law and make sure moms and kids can use their parks again.’”
He emphasized the need to combat illegal encampments and restore safety in neighborhoods, presenting himself as a candidate of change.
Pratt’s message resonates with voters who are frustrated with the current state of affairs in Los Angeles, particularly regarding homelessness and animal welfare.
His campaign has gained momentum thanks to a viral advertisement that highlights the plight of animals in the city’s shelters and on the streets, particularly in areas like Skid Row.
In the ad, Pratt draws a parallel between the unconditional love of dogs and the need for compassion towards all living beings, stating, “There’s a reason dog is just God backwards.”
He criticizes Bass for neglecting the animal crisis and vows to put an end to the suffering of animals in the city.
The advertisement has garnered significant attention on social media, with many praising Pratt for bringing attention to the issue of animal welfare.
As the polls tighten, Pratt’s campaign is reportedly outpacing Bass in fundraising, raising concerns for the incumbent as she intensifies her efforts to rally support.
Bass has been seen actively soliciting votes, providing instructions on how to vote and encouraging constituents to participate in the electoral process.
Amid the heightened competition, Pratt’s campaign continues to gain traction, with reports indicating that he has surpassed Bass in some polls, leading to a surge of excitement among his supporters.
With just days left until the election, the stakes are high, and the outcome remains uncertain.
Pratt’s campaign has sparked discussions about the influence of celebrity in politics and the potential for a reality TV star to become a legitimate political leader.
As both candidates prepare for the final push, the Los Angeles mayoral race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched elections in recent history.
The implications of this election extend beyond Los Angeles, as it raises questions about the future of political leadership and the role of public figures in shaping policy.
In the coming days, voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard and decide the future of their city.
With the election fast approaching, all eyes are on Los Angeles as the race unfolds.
As Spencer Pratt continues to gain momentum, the question remains: can a reality star truly lead a city, or will the political establishment prevail once again?
Regardless of the outcome, this election has captured the attention of the nation and may set the stage for future political dynamics in America.
The Los Angeles mayoral race serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots movements and the impact of public sentiment on the electoral process.
As the candidates make their final appeals to voters, the future of Los Angeles hangs in the balance, and the city awaits the decision of its residents.
