I feel to a certain extent that my arguments about the Florida Legislature and Reapportionment are going in circles. For the last week, it has been abundantly clear to regular readers of this site where we stand on this matter. This is not about partisanship but about fundamental fairness and honoring the will of Florida’s voters who overwhelmingly passed a Constitutional Amendment calling for fair districting practices in 2010.

The arrogance of the Republican leadership embodied by the whining of legislators about being forced to fix maps that they had so egregiously erred in drawing as well as the willingness to draw a map that was equally partisan as a response demonstrates the view the leadership of the Legislature has towards the common citizens of this state. When given a chance for a do-over and an opportunity to right a wrong, the Republicans once again choose the partisan path.

Unfortunately, while some Democrats stood tall this past week, others remained silent. Some who attempted to stand strong did so without a clear strategy or an understanding of how to work the process effectively and gain the type of earned media that could rally Florida’s citizens on this cause. I do want to single out Senator Darren Soto (D-Orlando) for praise though, as his home area has been time and time again targeted by Republican lawmakers in efforts to dilute the voting strength of both minority groups and non-Republican voters.  Soto offered and presented a map which both parties should have accepted as the fairest solution to a looming constitutional crisis.

Unfortunately, Republicans led by Rep. Richard Corcoran (R- Land O’Lakes) took to chiding Soto. Corcoran was clearly driving the train this week for the House GOP as Speaker Will Weatherford had exhibited more fairness and pragmatism when he was responsible for producing the GOP’s maps on the House side two years ago. If anything, Corcoran adopted the approach of his Republican colleagues which was not to give an inch while ignoring the Constitution and the courts.

The ball is now back in Judge Lewis’ court. I would fully expect him to do the right thing and invalidate this offensive and partisan map. What the court does with Congressional elections and the map after this is anyone’s guess. I for one do not care about the disruption to electoral process that further court intervention might bring. While the class of political consultants and lobbyists might be devastated by a non-routine election, Florida’s citizens who have been trampled and ignored in this process deserve a remedy that now only the Judicial Branch can provide.