On Friday morning's episode of Huntsville WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show," State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) discussed the push to redraw Alabama's congressional districts following the U.S Supreme Court's recent majority ruling in Louisiana v. Callais.
According to Orr, despite many Alabamians now demanding a 7-0 map favoring Republicans, a 6-1 map that allows U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) to retain her seat in the state's 7th congressional district is more likely to be ratified and implemented than a fully conservative map.
Orr also noted that Alabama's redistricting situation is unique compared to other states that have already altered their districts or are in the process of doing so.
"We are under a different situation than the other nearby states," Orr explained to show host Dale Jackson. "We've got pending litigation that we have to deal with, and that's pending in the appellate courts right now. It's different from Tennessee. Louisiana's obviously been resolved now. Mississippi has none, to my knowledge. So these other states don't have the same legal posture we do. All the attorneys say you are best doing the six-one district rather than a seven."
He added, "If you try to go seven, it's kind of like the Wheel of Fortune. The chances that you will hit bankrupt are much, much higher."
Orr elaborated on key factors that have historically contributed to the redrawing of a district in the Yellowhammer State.
"Things that we consider can be geographical," said Orr. "Does the incumbent live in the same place? There are several other factors. History of the area and representation thereof. Those kinds of things all feed into the ultimate decisions of, okay, where do you draw the lines to try to get the perfect balance?"
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