The state senate district lines drawn by Sen. Janet Howell are one of the worst cases of gerrymandering one has probably seen in our lifetimes. If Gov. McDonnell and the GOP House of Delegates don’t step in to fix this abomination, there is little doubt that the courts will do so. That being said, one has to wonder — what the heck was she thinking when they drew this up? Do senate Democrats want to lose their majority, because frankly in quite a few instances they appear to have drawn districts to their own detriment.
Take for example the 29th, Chuck Colgan’s seat. It is no secret that Colgan would like to retire. He wanted to retire back in ’07, but was convinced to run again in part because he did not want Bob FitzSimmonds to occupy the seat. So, what does Howell do? Rather than sticking Del. Jackson Miller into a neighboring district that is split between PWC and Fairfax as he was afraid might happen, she keeps Miller in the 29th, which remains solidly in PWC. Furthermore, she essentially hands Miller the nomination (and most likely the seat as the rumor is Colgan would be okay with Miller succeeding him in the senate meaning he could finally retire.) Plus Colgan can now retire in peace as FitzSimmonds is moved into the new 22nd Dist., one I might add that would be even more politically favorable to FitzSimmonds. Just check out this email he sent out this afternoon:
Senate Democrats have released their proposed redistricting map, and it’s very surprising. I don’t like the district lines because they pay no attention to communities of interest and instead appear to be purely partisan in nature.
However, we have to face reality and chances are something very close to their plan will pass.
Under the Senate plan released yesterday, I end up in the 22nd Senate District. This district is composed of parts of Prince William County, Loudoun County, Fauquier County, and Clarke County. Senator Colgan lives in the 29th Senate District, as does Delegate Jackson Miller. No incumbent Senator lives in the new 22nd District.If this plan passes, I will be a candidate for State Senate in the 22nd District. I already have many friends across this district and I’m excited about the opportunity to get to know more people in the new 22nd.
I will discuss the new district at our fundraiser tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Nokesville Volunteer Fire Department on Sudley Manor Drive in Bristow. Delegate Scott Lingamfelter will be our featured speaker to give us an update on the General Assembly session. I hope to see you there.
I have attached a list of the precincts that would be included in the 22nd District. Please take a look and forward this email to anyone you know who will be in the 22nd District.
If you would like to look at the district map online, go to http://redistricting.dls.virginia.gov/2010/ and click on “View Plans and Map.” On the left hand side, change the theme to “Senate” and then scroll down and check the box next to “SB___JHowell.” On the tool bar above the map, you can enter your address to see what district you will be in if this plan passes.
It’s exciting to finally have an idea of what the district looks like so we can move forward with the campaign. Please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, or – especially – referrals to people you know who will be in the 22nd District.
So, what did they accomplish by drawing the 29th the way they did? Well, it looks as if they took Tito “The Builder” Munoz out of the 36th Dist. where it was rumored he would challenge Sen. Toddy Puller. However, the 36th now closely resembles Del. Jeff Frederick’s old 52nd Dist. house seat with the additions of Lake Ridge and Fort Belvoir. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a comeback and take that seat for the GOP column or, in the alternative if he doesn’t run, Dumfries Councilwoman Kristin Forrester.
These are but a few examples from just PWC that illustrate the folly of the Senate Democrat plan. But as a Republican, seeing three seats alone in one county that could shift into the Republican senate caucus, all I have to say is, “Don’t throw me into that briar patch!” ;)
Filed under: 2011 Elections, Redistricting
Thanks for this information. I have been out of town without access to a computer. It has been hard to figure the maps on my iPhone.
I can’t believe the Democrats did this with Miller and FitzSimmonds. I hope Jeff runs for the other Senate seat too.
Keep in mind that colgan told Dave mabie that he would step aside if Mabie won the nomination and we see how that worked out. Colgan saying and colgan doing are two different things.
Understood, but that was 8 years ago and Colgan is now half-past ancient, relatively newly married, and has that Colgan Air plane crash in his recent history.
The biggest surprise i see is carving up the 52nd……goes back to what it once was……..a Dale cCity seat. Wont this make it touger for Scott Lingamfelter, who was insulated by having the heavily Rep. Warrenton area in his district?
Lingamfelter represents the 31st. He gave up Dale City and got parts of Montclair.
[...] Virginia Virtucon: http://virginiavirtucon.wordpress.com/2011/03/30/state-senate-11-jackson-miller-to-the-29th-bob-fitz… [...]
Seems a little presumptuous of Bob, what, did the four-time loser call “I got next”. Regardless the opponent, losing four times at the primary or general level would indicate to most that the message isn’t resonating. It’s been noted elsewhere that if the map is adopted that the seat is Bob’s to lose, I would wager he would do just that.
Just to clarify Jim. The 22nd district does have an incumbant, Senator Ralph Smith. He is also quoted to say he is willing to move to run for reelection. Stay tuned.
I have heard that, too, Brandon, but that is like saying the 2nd HOD Dist. has an incumbent, Bud Phillips. However, that district is moving from far Southwest VA to Prince William County so it really is an open seat. If Smith moves, I would assume it would be to a part of the district he represented instead of just following a number to whole new territory.
I doubt that he meant he’ll move to NOVA.
Actually Riley the threat appears to be thaht Smith would move to John Edward’s district and run against him. I’d be surprised if he could win that district.
Also, I never believe anybody is moving to run until I actually see it. Lots of people talk bold about mvoing, few do.
Mostly just kidding here, but Ralph doesn’t have good options. The new 21st with Edwards he wouldn’t have a prayer. I know because the last Republican to hold the 21st was me in 1995. To either run in the 23 or 19th he has to challenge a republican which he doesn’t have a problem with but isn’t likely to do. Joking I know but his best move would be to move up your way and run.
[...] current status on where each of these two men expect to run based upon current redistricting plans. State Senate ’11 – Jackson Miller to the 29th, Bob FitzSimmonds to the 22nd tells the [...]
Smith just sent an email last night telling the residents,”It is an honor to represent the Roanoke and New River Valleys in the General Assembly, and I would sincerely appreciate your support in this year’s election as I look forward to continue serving you.”
Sounds like he wants to stay where he is.
That would be an interesting primary. Looks like the way the district is drawn now both Smith and Newman would have to introduce themselves to a lot of voters who don’t know them.
I havent been following this closely…..not good at geography and math!! Who has Dale City if Scott is gone?
Luke Torian and the 52nd Dist.
oh oh….ty
LL – I live in Dale City area and now vote in the Minnieville Precinct which is in Toddy Puller’s district. Before the last redistricting, i voted in the Kerrydale Precinct and was represented by Chuck Colgan. Do you know who my Senator will be now? Also, Scott Lingamfelter is current Delegate. Will i still be represented by him? Thanks very much LL. I certainly understand if you dont know these answers, and if you dont, how do i find out? But now, do i always have to say nice things to you? TY K