The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
As redistricting looms, Democrats jockey to counter GOP edge
In the name of fairness, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his Democratic allies once welcomed the creation of a nonpartisan redistricting commission that would redraw congressional maps free of political influence and avoid contorted gerrymandering.
But now that the commission is stepping up its work, New York Democrats seem to be having second thoughts. The state may lose House seats and, under the old rules, Democrats would have had the power to redraw lines in their favor.
Some Democrats want to make it easier to overrule the commission.
As the once-a-decade redistricting conflicts heat up across the country, both Republicans and Democrats are wrestling with how far to press their advantage in a fight as consequential as any election. For Republicans that means building on the success of 10 years ago — even as some population and political trends work against them. For Democrats, it’s a test of their commitment to the changes they’ve long argued are needed to create a level playing field.
“If I’m a Democratic leader and I’ve recently come into power, I’m not sure why I’d want to constrain myself when the other party is playing hardball,” said Jonathan Cervas, a redistricting expert at Carnegie Mellon University.
The GOP has complete control of the redistricting process in 18 states — including the growing states of Texas and Florida — giving it the power to redraw boundaries for 181 U.S. House seats, according to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice,
which advocates for a redistricting overhaul. Democrats have full control over
only 49 House seats. That would jump to 74 if they
overrule New York’s nonpartisan commission, said the Brennan Center’s Michael Li.
Whoever controls the map-drawing wields enormous and long-lasting power over the U.S. political system. Skilled mapmakers can draw boundaries that pack a party’s voters into districts, creating safe legislative seats. The proliferation of uncompetitive seats has added to the nation’s growing partisan polarization, because so few lawmakers must worry about appealing to voters from the other party.
The stakes are particularly clear now. Some experts note Republicans could win control of the House in 2022 based on redistricting alone. Three of the states where the GOP has complete control of the map-making — Texas, Florida and North Carolina — are expected to gain a total of six seats. A GOP sweep of those seats would flip the House.
But packing Republican voters into new districts in the growing states won’t be easy. Much of the population growth in those states has come in cities, innerring suburbs and places with large Black and Latino communities — all key Democratic constituencies.
“The Republicans are in the driver’s seat, but are limited in what they can do,” Cervas said.
All this will play out in a hyper-compressed timeline.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Census Bureau has said it won’t release detailed population data needed to draw maps until late September — a delay of several months. As a result, legislatures will probably be called into special sessions to draw maps toward the end of the year, and the window for legal challenges will be exceedingly narrow.
“To the extent that maps look horrible and you’re a litigator and you want to challenge the maps before the election, you have less time,” said Justin Levitt, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University.
Republicans are keenly aware of the courts’ power. GOP operatives note their party would probably control the House today if courts hadn’t struck down their redistricting in four states since 2011 and ordered more Democratic-friendly districts.
Still, some who advocate an overhaul of the system are optimistic that this round will produce more balanced maps and competitive seats than last time. They note state governments that had unified Republican control, such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, now are split between the parties.
Meanwhile, five states — Colorado, Michigan, New York, Utah and Virginia — have added nonpartisan commissions, while voters in Ohio placed new restrictions on partisan redistricting.
But most states in the Gop-dominated South lack nonpartisan commissions.
They’re also likely to gain many seats.
“In these fast-growing states like Texas, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, Republicans have a clear path to go to town,” said Li of the Brennan Center.
Democrats say they’re ready.
The party has invested more in the redistricting process this time, with an organization headed by former Attorney General Eric Holder that advocates for nonpartisan commissions to draw districts and is ready for legal action against tilted maps.
The past few days of bitter cold weather and wind have caused temperatures to plummet like the recent stock market. Although ice fishermen and snowmobilers are hopeful that this forecast is a trend, many people plan to stay inside and throw another log on the fireplace. There are also a lot of other people whose occupation requires them to be outside, even in nasty weather. For all these people there is always the danger of frostbite in cold weather. The danger is increased by wind chill. Fortunately, there are usually ways to avoid the situation.
Frostbite is the freezing of an area such as nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, or toes. There are different degrees of it ranging from “frostnip” which is the relatively minor freezing of a small surface area of skin to the more serious levels which can cause serious damage to body tissue.
The biggest danger comes from bare flesh exposed to extreme temperatures which will freeze the skin and the tissues below the skin. But other parts of the body which have poor circulation or don’t receive as much heat, such as the hands or
feet can also suffer frostbite.
Windchill factor, not only makes you feel colder, it actually does drop the bodily temperature by removing the tiny layer of warm air next to the body. Thus it hastens the cooling of the body, and the onset of frostbite.
Typically most people will bundle up on the bitter cold and windy days and probably be protected unless some type of accident or emergency occurs. It seems that on the days when it is cold and calm and we are active enough to not notice the cold as quickly, that frost bite occurs without warning.
Just before the actual onset of frostbite the skin may appear slightly flushed. As frostbite develops the skin becomes white or grayish-yellow. The victim is often unaware until someone else notices. When hunting, ice fishing, etc. with friends, each person should be aware of the signs on their partners.
In the early stages the victim may feel pain which later subsides. The affected areas will later feel intensely cold and numb. This can be a serious danger if you are far from shelter or help and hands or feet get frostbite from serious cold or inadequate protection.
First aid is to enclose the frostbitten area with warm hands or a warm cloth using firm pressure. Do not rub the area with hands or use snow (as an old folk remedy used to suggest). Individuals can put their hands into their armpits to use the body’s warmth. Cover the areas with woolen cloth whenever possible.
The person suffering from frostbite, or is in the early stages, should get indoors or to shelter as soon as possible. Immerse the frostbitten area in warm (not hot) water. If that isn’t possible, use warm blankets. Do NOT use hot water bottles, heat lamps, or put the afflicted area near a stove.
After the area is warmed, move it gently and frequently. Consume warm drinks to help raise the body temperature. Seek medical attention as soon as possible afterwards.
Of course the best course of action is to prevent frostbite in the first place. Mainly this involves wearing adequate protection for head, hands, and feet. Obviously a hat that offers ear protection is necessary for prolonged exposure in severe weather. Face masks, ski masks, or scarves are important. Those who are skiing or traveling a distance should take them in case of emergency even if you don’t initially wear them.
Since the body conserves heat for the trunk of the body by constricting blood vessels to the extremities, the hands and feet are first to feel the cold.
Wear adequate footgear such as insulated boots and several pair of socks. Be sure that they are not too tight to cut off circulation.
Good gloves are essential for outdoorsmen in this type of weather. Carry a spare pair in case of emergency. Mittens are warmer and provide more protection than gloves.
No one plans on getting frostbite, any more than we plan on having an accident. By checking the weather carefully, taking some precautions, and using common sense we can make sure that our outdoor experiences are pleasant ones. SHORT CASTS Product Review - Irish Setter Mudtrek Boots
If you are an outdoorsman in central New York you know how important quality boots are. From fall hunting season, winter hunting, or outdoor chores like splitting wood it is an absolute necessity to have warm and waterproof boots. In addition to warmth, they must provide comfort for many miles of rugged terrain.
That is why my latest pair of boots is Irish Setter Mudtrek.
I typically spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weather. Despite having had problems with my feet all my life, I usually put on a lot of miles in my hunting adventures. As a result, Irish Setter, a brand known for quality and design for outdoorsmen is a logical choice. Usually I avoid rubber boots but I am very pleased with the Mudtrek model of rubber boots.
The Irish Setter Mudtrek rubber boots are of quality design with roomier fit to easily fit socks and pants inside. Polyurethane cushion midsoles provides comfort and arch support on rugged ground. They are also among the lightest rubber boot on the market today.
Tempsens technology helps wick moisture away from your feet. Scentban anti microbial scent control helps eliminate odors within the boots. The new Thermoboost technology helps provide warmth without added bulk. Light weight and warmth are made possible with 1200 grams of Primaloft insulation.
Whether crossing seasonally high streams, climbing snowy hills, or navigating snowy and muddy lowlands, keeping your footing is a serious concern. The Mudder sole provides stability and traction even in the wet and tough terrain. Neoprene rubber makes these boots waterproof and durable.
I have other ankle-high leather or Cordura boots that serve well in the early season. But when there is deep snow, lots of standing water, mud and cold temperatures I need something different. These Mudtrek model boots are lightweight, fit well, and regulate the temperatures inside the boot very well. Due to problems with my feet, other boots I tried left a lot to be desired. But the Irish Setter Mudtrek boots addressed my concerns and those of other hunters who choose to face rugged weather and outdoor conditions.
Ice Fishing Report
I was talking to my friend Dan Ladd from the Lake George area earlier this week and we discussed ice fishing in that area. Dan reports that with the cold weather recently most lakes in the eastern Adirondacks have safe ice and good fishing. Perch fishing was good on eastern Lake George but the best areas for lake trout were on the western side and there were areas of open water or unsafe ice in between.
Up on the St. Lawrence the fishing for perch, walleye, and pike has been good on most bays with plenty of safe ice. Be careful about heading for the deeper water or main channels, but there is no need to go to those areas.
Oneida Lake has several inches of safe ice and anglers are catching perch and walleye at various areas such as off Sylvan Beach, Lewis Point, Jewell, or Cleveland. Sodus Bay reports good ice and steady catches of pike. Beaver Season Extended The DEC recently reminded trappers that the beaver trapping season has been extended in Central and Western NY until April 7, 2021. This provides expanded opportunity for trappers and helps management of the population and reducing conflicts. There will also be permanent changes in mink and muskrat seasons in coming years.