Politics 2012: California

“Vicious new political battles. Farewells from longtime power brokers. More candidate choices for minority communities. Possibly even a more moderate statehouse. All could spring from the latest reshaping of California’s electoral landscape — done for the first time by voters rather than Sacramento insiders.

The initial test of the new process will be Friday, when an independent panel that now performs the once-a-decade redrawing of political lines will release draft district maps for the state’s 53 members of Congress, 40 state senators and 80 Assembly members. Incumbents could find themselves in unfriendly territory as seats merge and party leanings flip.

Californians stripped the Legislature of the redistricting task amid frustration with a polarized state government and gerrymandering that made seats perennially safe for most incumbents. The maps will be further refined, but it is already clear that the panel’s work will dramatically affect the state’s Legislature and congressional delegation.”

• LOOK: 2010 census counts by California’s congressional districts Redrawing (Maps)

@PoliticalJones Says:

“I love Russell’s passion for wanting to getting everyone involved in the political process!

It is clear right now that the rules on how to reach out and engage folks are changing as fast as the information you see flashing up on your Twitter timeline! 

It’s important, but I don’t know if it makes a real difference, because the voices leading this new conversation are not moved by “big-name” endorsements,” explains Leroy Jones Jr. (@PoliticalJones), National Political Commentator & Analyst, and the host of “The PoliticalJones Report with Leroy Jones, Jr.” on American Urban Radio Networks (AURN). 

“When you have a generation,” Jones, continues, “who knows that they may never do better or equal to their parents, then that generation has a choice.

They either give up or fight. They are questioning everything. These young people understand that the keepers of the status quo or the current leadership will do anything they can to keep their power. 

They hear all the talk of paying dues, and waiting their turn. They don’t buy it. Young people both here in the U.S. and around the world can see that some people think they are entitled to power and access, but this generation is having none of that!

Right now these ‘young folks’ are reminding everyone that the real power is having the ability to create and make real changes in people’s daily lives. It’s their time, and you are either with them or against them!”

@PoliticalJones

From:

The Network Journal (@networkjournal)

“Mr. Simmons Goes to Washington!”

By: LAUREN DeLISA COLEMAN (@mediaempress)

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

“Man is by nature a political animal.” ~ Aristotle