Gerrymandering has consequences
Looking at the sycophantic display the Republicans put forward yesterday -- prostrating themselves before DT as though he were their demigod, I had a genuine pang of sympathy for them.
It was fleeting.
As I see it, Republicans are trapped. Before the gerrymandering of REDMAP the districts were more competitive. This gave moderate Republicans some wiggle room. Yes, donors could demand onerous measures, but legislators could push back, explaining that the requested legislation would result in the loss of their seat. The effectiveness of that argument has shrunk as the impenetrability of the Republican districts has grown. So, all the gerrymandering, combined with "Citizens United" have empowered the party, but reduced individual Republican legislators to being virtual automatons.
To add insult to injury, some well intentioned Republican lawmakers probably feel trapped by the certain knowledge that, if they leave, or dig in their heels, the "safety" of their district would result in someone truly horrible taking their place. As a result, they're forced to go along, bowing-and-scraping, while singing the praises of DT.
Restoring the competitiveness to the ridiculously gerrymandered districts that are currently drawn in favor of the Republican Party is essential for Democratic success, but it's also a favor to moderate Republicans. They need competitive districts in order to stand up to their donor class.
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