Wisconsin Supreme Court Election: Redistricting Issue and Democrat Outrage

One of the most duplicitous acts in modern political life is the writhing theatrics from Democrats when the subject of redistricting — commonly referred to as “gerrymandering” — is raised. Like inflated tube men on a used-car lot, liberals thrash about when confronted with the reality of a legislature they don’t like adjusting districts to its liking within an established framework of numerical proportionality. Shockingly, the spirit moves Dems to decry map-massaging only when they lose. Their victories in 2022, many resulting from gerrymandering, did not receive the same denunciation — in case anyone was wondering.

The topic of redistricting has become a significant part of the Wisconsin supreme-court contest between conservative Dan Kelly and liberal Janet Protasiewicz, with the candidates sparring over the subject, thereby revealing their respective views on the judiciary’s role in policing the legislature’s constitutionally prescribed power established in Article III. Redistricting was invented by Democrats 200 years ago when Elbridge Gerry charted a district that would advantage his side, one shaped like a certain amphibian. The gerrymander was born, and we’ve lived with the creature ever since. The difference today, as Kevin Williamson put it in an essential piece on the subject, is that “the Democrats invented gerrymandering — the Republicans have come close to perfecting it.”

About the Author

Luther Ray Abel

Luther Ray Abel is an Associate Editor for National Review. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Luther is a proud native of Sheboygan, Wis.

Featured Tags

One of the most duplicitous acts in modern political life is the writhing theatrics from Democrats when the subject of redistricting — commonly referred to as “gerrymandering” — is raised. Like inflated tube men on a used-car lot, liberals thrash about when confronted with the reality of a legislature they don’t like adjusting districts to its liking within an established framework of numerical proportionality. Shockingly, the spirit moves Dems to decry map-massaging only when they lose. Their victories in 2022, many resulting from gerrymandering, did not receive the same denunciation — in case anyone was wondering.

The topic of redistricting has become a significant part of the Wisconsin supreme-court contest between conservative Dan Kelly and liberal Janet Protasiewicz, with the candidates sparring over the subject, thereby revealing their respective views on the judiciary’s role in policing the legislature’s constitutionally prescribed power established in Article III. Redistricting was invented by Democrats 200 years ago when Elbridge Gerry charted a district that would advantage his side, one shaped like a certain amphibian. The gerrymander was born, and we’ve lived with the creature ever since. The difference today, as Kevin Williamson put it in an essential piece on the subject, is that “the Democrats invented gerrymandering — the Republicans have come close to perfecting it.”