No place for politics

Berkshire Eagle
December 6, 2010

It's always election season in Massachu-setts, and the 2012 campaign is now under way with the announcement by Representative John Olver that he will seek to retain his seat in the 1st Congressional District. This sets up a potential primary battle with fellow Democrat Andrea Nuciforo Jr., with the wild card the congressional redistricting to begin when the final 2010 census figures are released.

Mr. Nuciforo of Pittsfield, a former state senator and current Middle Berkshire Register of Deeds, could pose a threat to Mr. Olver, who has had few from inside or outside his party. Massachusetts, however, is likely to lose a congressional seat because of population losses over the past 10 years, and the sprawling 1st Congressional District could have a considerably different look after redistricting. It's possible, although unlikely, that Pittsfield and Amherst, the home town of Mr. Olver, could be in different districts, ending the Olver-Nuciforo battle before it even begins.

Redistricting should not be a political process but it is, certainly in Massachusetts, which more than two centuries ago invented gerrymandering - the drawing up of election districts to give one group, candidate or political party an advantage. The state's current districts are drawn in part to keep populations roughly equal, which is one reason why the huge, contorted 1st Congressional District includes both Mount Washington and Fitchburg.

The borders of districts led by long-term incumbents are less likely to be tampered with, which may be why the veteran Mr. Olver made such an uncommonly early announcement of his intentions for 2012. Ideally, however, politics would be removed from the equation by the creation of an independent board to determine redistricting. Many states have done this, with the goal of creating districts that are compact and reasonably shaped and are not designed to protect or exclude anyone on the basis of race or political party.

We urge Massachusetts to do the same. It is obvious that the Legislature cannot keep politics out of any equation, and redistricting is wide open to political maneuvering. Neutrality is necessary, and should be mandated in time for 2012.