It can be assumed that a party majority just like the Republicans in Congress could seem a bit unfair especially in pushing agendas. The Republicans as the majority in Congress have it easy in pushing Republican-sponsored bills compared to Democrats who would have to have many Republicans on their side to pass a bill.
On Monday, the Supreme Court’s decision to release a new congressional district map in Pennsylvania after Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a solution regarding the district boundaries. Democratic Governor Tom Wolf and the Republican legislative failed to agree on a new congressional map prompting the state Supreme Court to use its maps in formulating a new one. The Court sought the assistance of Professor Nathaniel Persily who has also created other House maps used in different states. The decision gave Democrats hope of restoring an imbalanced Congress which currently comprises of a Republican majority.
Estimates of the New Pennsylvania Congressional Map
The previous Pennsylvania map was drawn by a Republican Legislature back in 2011 then approved by a Republican Governor, Tom Corbett. Republicans won 13 out of the 18 congressional districts in 2016 when the President carried 12 out of the 18 districts. The drawn map gave Republicans an edge over the Democrats hence the dispute between the two parties.
Early estimates of the new court-drawn map favor Democrats as there now exists only 10 Trump seats. The revelation opens the door for Democrats to move closer to the House Republican majority and hopefully restore a balance when American voters go for midterm elections in November this year. The new map could help Democrats pick up several seats in the state.
The Court came to its decision after it ruled last month that the congressional map clearly, plainly and physically violated the state’s Constitution. The Court alleged that Republicans unreasonably manipulated the district boundaries in favor of their party. The Apex Court also denied Republican’s request to intervene in the matter in early February.
Reactions from Republicans
Republican legislative leaders implied that they will contest the Supreme Court drawn map through an appeal. Joe Scarnati, the State Senate President Pro Tempore and Mike Turzai the House Speaker in a statement released on Monday evening stated that they expect further action in a federal court. The statement added that the implementation of the map would result in a constitutional crisis where Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court is assuming the Executive and a Legislative branch’s authority. It stated that the map implies that the explanation of fair is simply the urge to elect more Democrats in the state.
