Despite unanimous approval in the state Senate, redistricting reform died a quiet death in the house of delegates early Tuesday morning. A subcommittee did the honors (four republicansvoted to table the idea, two house democrats were opposed) -just like last year.

Incumbents are understandably leery of ceding authority over drawing political boundries- after all, their careers are potentially at stake- but self interestcan also override common sense and the best interests of the citizenry. Partisanzeal can hatch bizarrely shaped districts that benefit the ins or lump together the rural and urban constituencies.

Crafting districts with lopsided margins for one party not only dampens electoral competitiveness but also discourages effective governance. Safely ensconced in office, incumbents need appeal only to their most fervent constituents, the party cadre that controls the nomination process. The general election becomes a sham.
The senate bill would create an advisory commission with seven members-three Democrats, three republicans and a less openly partisan chairman chosen by others- to draw a new boundry for congressional and legislative districts based on 2010 census. The goal is to create districts that are compact, contiguous and respectful of communities, of interests and existing political subdivisions. The general assembly would retain the final say.

In Virginia the idea has over the years gathered widespread support from civic groups.

"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."