Let's talk about millions spent on Missouri’s map....

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Belle of the Ranch 3 min 1 speaker 5 chapters transcribed 1 month ago

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What is the background on Missouri’s redistricting and why is it controversial?

Belle of the Ranch 0:01

Well, howdy there internet people it's Belle again. So today, we're going to talk about millions spent on Missouri's map. As Republicans see voter backlash to Trump's policies and the economic chaos that has accompanied his policies, they're more and more nervous about the midterms. Now that they've seen a once deep red district in Tennessee drop to having a single digit lead, there's downright panic. But instead of reversing course, they seem to be doubling down on the idea of ruling rather than representing. Missouri was one of the six states that have redistricted ahead of the midterms.

How are Republicans responding to voter backlash and the upcoming midterms in Missouri?

Belle of the Ranch 0:47

Republicans in the state appear to have sought to create a map that would help them override voters upset by Trump's policies. As soon as the map that eliminated a Democratic leaning district passed the legislature. A campaign committee called People Not Politicians started putting together a referendum. That would repeal the Republican map. They need one hundred seven thousand valid signatures before the deadline next week. Organizers seem confident they'll get what they need. Republic groups are dumping millions into trying to defeat the referendum.

What is the People Not Politicians referendum and how many signatures are needed?

Belle of the Ranch 1:30

Which is really weird when you think about it, right? The general idea of most of these redistricting efforts was that they just had to do it. Not because voters were turning against them, because their policies are causing a constant state of disorder and damaging their lives. But because the people of the state needed better representation. Why would you want to defeat a referendum that would prove that's the case? Unless, of course, they don't believe that's the situation. And that they believe the people will revolt against the idea of redrawing lines to override the will of the voters.

Why do independent voters worry that gerrymandered districts silence their voice?

Belle of the Ranch 2:15

Doug Beck is the Democratic floor leader in the state senate. He said Republicans are trying to avoid the map going to the ballot because they're afraid. Quote. They believe that Missourians will vote it down. That's why they're trying as hard as they can to not let it go to the ballot. Really, this is probably going to be an easy sell for those opposed to the redistricting. Assuming they can get the signatures they need.

What could happen to the referendum at the ballot box and in the courts during the midterms?

Belle of the Ranch 2:47

Obviously, MAGA will turn out to support redistricting, and Democrats will turn out against it. But Independents know that gerrymander districts take away their voice. If a district is gerrymandered, the voice of the independent voter is lost. Republicans who aren't MAGA, or even the Republicans who are MAGA, who want to send a message at the ballot box about the sorry state of the economy would want fairer maps as well. It seems likely that the Republican establishment in the state will pull out all the stops to defeat this, and if it was to succeed at the ballot box, they would likely try to invalidate the will of the people through the courts. It's going to be an interesting midterm. Anyway. It's just a thought.

Belle of the Ranch 3:45

Y'all have a good day.

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