Statehouse elections just got crazier

The US Supreme Court today has ruled that State legislatures are free to redistrict anytime they choose to, not just every ten years after an official census...which means that anytime a political party takes over a statehouse (and has a governor who will sign the law) they can redistrict to their own advantage.

While I understand the court's reasoning, and applaud their strict construction approach, the ruling fills me with a certain apprehension. The need for aggressive politics to keep or gain majorities will increase, and the presence of federal representation issues will encroach on state elections for the first time since the power to elect US Senators moved from the State legislature to popular election.

While they were probably right to do it, the US Supreme Court has just kicked open Pandora's Gerrymander, and I have no clue where we will end up.

Speaking for myself, I hope Governor Tim Kaine sends up an amendment to the Virginia constitution that if approved would limit legislative apportionment to once every ten years...