I second that emotion. A white man has represented the black folks of my hometown since 2010. Now the likely winner of TN-9th will be a black republican woman. All the SCOTUS ruling says is that states cannot redistrict by skin color.
It is worth remembering that the originator of gerrymandering was none other than Elbridge Gerry. Although he was a Founding Father, merchant, diplomat and 5th Vice President of the United States, he was also governor of Massachusetts 1810-1812. Towards the end of his term, the Democratic-Republicans (which became the Democratic Party), looking to maintain control of the State Senate, implemented a strategic redistricting measure. This redistricting created oddly shaped electoral districts designed to benefit their party. He signed off on it and it has been associated with him ever since.
I seem to recall TN being a rather Democratic state back in the 80s. Funny how the VRA had to spur them then. Also funny how Democrats have become almost irrelevant in that state. Makes you wonder what changed about them.
I second that emotion. A white man has represented the black folks of my hometown since 2010. Now the likely winner of TN-9th will be a black republican woman. All the SCOTUS ruling says is that states cannot redistrict by skin color.
https://torrancestephensphd.substack.com/p/democrats-and-the-tennesssee-two
It is worth remembering that the originator of gerrymandering was none other than Elbridge Gerry. Although he was a Founding Father, merchant, diplomat and 5th Vice President of the United States, he was also governor of Massachusetts 1810-1812. Towards the end of his term, the Democratic-Republicans (which became the Democratic Party), looking to maintain control of the State Senate, implemented a strategic redistricting measure. This redistricting created oddly shaped electoral districts designed to benefit their party. He signed off on it and it has been associated with him ever since.
I seem to recall TN being a rather Democratic state back in the 80s. Funny how the VRA had to spur them then. Also funny how Democrats have become almost irrelevant in that state. Makes you wonder what changed about them.
Rocky top!
Geaux 🐯
We can all enjoy Rocky Top, as long as we get out the vote and make the South as red as New England is blue.