UPDATE: Title changed to reflect Rep. Winslow’s responses in the comments. I would still like to hear who made this call, and why. I’m dubious of the small, committed band of activists story — not that they don’t exist, but I suspect they are an excuse for someone’s else action. I’m also dubious of those activists — the “views of Walpole” are diverse, and could accommodate Stephen Lynch or Barney Frank.
Under the proposed redistricting map, Walpole was to move from Stephen Lynch’s district to Barney Frank’s. This move was surprising, but I hadn’t heard a single person say one thing about it, for or against.
But now it will be moved back to Lynch’s district, apparently due to the actions of Rep. Dan Winslow, a Republican. (Apparently not — see comments.)
I have questions about just about every paragraph of this story.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/features/x505718417/Walpole-to-shift-back-to-Rep-Lynch-territory-in-final-redistricting-plan#axzz1eBCXHyFf
Walpole will remain with U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch after becoming the only town in Massachusetts to successfully fight to change districts.
Winslow said Walpole residents approached him about being moved into Frank’s district at last Friday’s Veterans Day ceremony, which Winslow attended.“People expressed concern that Frank does not represent their views, that he’s too liberal, whereas Lynch, based on experience, was more consistent with views of Walpole,” Winslow said.
Discuss
12 Comments . Leave a comment below.Sorry, can’t seem to fix them.
I certainly have heard other folks who are less than thrilled and have contacted legislators.
You are joking, of course.
Just look at the Texas version, say: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/02/the-gop-big-texas-gerrymander_n_870677.html
Not usually within the same party anyway.
I think that it is wonderful to have fresh faces in politics. I’m very impressed with Marisa DeFranco. Though I disagree with her on some economic issues I’m totally taken with her feistiness, her candor, and her naturalness when dealing with the public. In my opinion she would be wonderful as our first female senator from this “enlightened” state (replacing John Kerry, of course).
And she will take on any question or issue, and is well versed on most of them. I love the way she goes right into a crowd, looks you in the eye, and responds – the directness, courage, and willingness to engage without putting any other candidate down ARE refreshing. She is running for senate, and seems to see Scott Brown for the empty suit on the make that he has turned out to be, at least in my opinion.
I was just explaining to the local reporter how the change might have come about and why. I was not involved in redistricting at any official level, having recused myself to represent racial minority interests in pressing the creation of a minority-majority congressional district centered in Boston (Done!). As much as I wish I had this much power in the legislative process, I assure you this move was done entirely at the behest of members of the Democratic side of the aisle.
But the story says YOU were approached. Is that inaccurate? If it is accurate, what did you do with with the information?
And again, it might be completely appropriate for Walpole to be in Lynch’s district. But the last-minute switch, when no other towns were switched (other than Easton as the offset), begs several questions.
At the Walpole Veterans Day ceremony, by some very upset residents. My advice was that they should contact the House and Senate leadership if they wished to press a change in the plan. Good advice as it turns out. I personally am disappointed that Walpole was moved out of Frank’s district. Walpole would have strengthened any challenge to Frank. And no, I have no interest in running for Congress–I’d be fearful that I would win.
You don’t have to answer this, but I’m wondering what political stripe they were. Pro-lifers, maybe.
Can’t help you there. They struck me as Blue Dog Democrats, but we didn’t talk shop.
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