Parrott: Considering a challenge to Congressional map
The same group that successfully collected signatures to halt the in-state tuition law is considering a challenge to the Congressional map that was approved by the General Assembly last week.
Del. Neil C. Parrott, a Washington County Republican, said this afternoon that he is "talking to different people" about the feasibility of protesting the map and expects to make a decision "fairly quickly."
Parrott launched a group called MDPetitions.com in April which used an online tool to collect and verify signatures on petitions opposing a law that would have granted in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. The group collected nearly twice as many signatures as needed, though their efforts are being challenged in court now.
Parrott acknowledged that the Congressional map does not stir the same passion that the in-state bill produced. Still, he said, that when he talks to voters about the map they quickly become upset. Under the General Assembly passed map, Western Maryland's longtime conservative district becomes much more liberal.
Also, Parrott said, voters in Anne Arundel County are upset that they are split among four Congressional districts. And civil rights groups have raised concerns that minority votes were diluted in Montgomery County to allow the ruling Democrats to have a chance at picking up a seventh Maryland seat in Congress.
Del. Neil C. Parrott, a Washington County Republican, said this afternoon that he is "talking to different people" about the feasibility of protesting the map and expects to make a decision "fairly quickly."
Parrott launched a group called MDPetitions.com in April which used an online tool to collect and verify signatures on petitions opposing a law that would have granted in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. The group collected nearly twice as many signatures as needed, though their efforts are being challenged in court now.
Parrott acknowledged that the Congressional map does not stir the same passion that the in-state bill produced. Still, he said, that when he talks to voters about the map they quickly become upset. Under the General Assembly passed map, Western Maryland's longtime conservative district becomes much more liberal.
Also, Parrott said, voters in Anne Arundel County are upset that they are split among four Congressional districts. And civil rights groups have raised concerns that minority votes were diluted in Montgomery County to allow the ruling Democrats to have a chance at picking up a seventh Maryland seat in Congress.
If Parrott's group decides to petition the map, the process would be a bit different than it was for the immigration legislation. The law was passed as an emergency bill -- which required three-fifths of the members in both houses to support it -- and it therefore would not be suspended unless voters overturn it at the ballot box.
For regular bills, like the in-state legislation, the law was suspended once enough valid signatures were gathered to put it on the 2012 ballot.
For regular bills, like the in-state legislation, the law was suspended once enough valid signatures were gathered to put it on the 2012 ballot.
Comments
BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE—
WE MUST PASS ‘THE LEGAL WORKFORCE ACT’ BEFORE THE PRESIDENT INTERVENES AND USES ANOTHER EXECUTIVE ORDER TO BYPASS CONGRESS?
Build the real 2006 Secure Fence; two 20 ft fences parallel to each other, attired with concertina razor wire with fast patrolling roads in between. Implement the E-Verify, Secure Communities and 287G policing laws, and like Arizona, the prison population will keep falling. With these enforcement tools installed, it will not necessitate more detention centers?
Take your concerns to the doors of the Congress, as regards to illegal aliens stealing jobs, by way of collusion of dishonest business owners. Don’t moan about the policies of Sanctuary Cities, Dream Acts or the 6 small amnesties since covertly passed since 1986, unless you are ready to speak up. Then again, if you are incensed about the 20 million foreigners settled in America unlawfully, and the continuous stream—you can do something now. These migrants and immigrants are depleting the US federal and state treasuries and taxpayers pockets and then make your voice known.
Activists are gaining some momentum as the ramification of illegal immigration is sinking into people’s minds. This is chiefly the outrageous costs that cannot be justified anymore. Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.); Reps. Duncan Hunter(R-Calif; Tim Griffin (R-Ark.); Rep. McKinley are just a few of the new sponsors to “The Legal Workforce” Act, but nevertheless we must keep on the harassment to the halls of power.
Posted by: Dave Francis | October 28, 2011 4:09 PM