California shows the way on redistricting reform

The best predictor of whether an elected official supports independent redistricting of legislative boundaries isn't political affiliation. It's political power. The party in control of a particular legislature is naturally disinclined to loosen its grip on the gavel.

Virginia Republicans have in recent years been the primary obstacle to reform, just as California Democrats have been the obstructionists on the West Coast.

Both parties too easily forget who is actually in control, but California lawmakers got a reminder this past week. Voters there appear to have narrowly approved a ballot issue creating a bipartisan redistricting commission that will draw future legislative districts.

The ballot issue was backed by Common Cause, AARP, the League of Women Voters, business groups and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, but its success was the result of millions of voters tired of status quo politics.

By limiting competition, redistricting by legislators of the controlling political party is intended to preserve the status quo. Often, it can have another result, favoring new candidates from the fringes over those from the political middle ground.

That's been most evident in Virginia in the decade-long stalemate over transportation.

Virginians cannot bypass the legislature and put the issue on the ballot as was done in California. But next year presents a compelling opportunity for the General Assembly to adopt redistricting reform. Neither party holds complete power in the legislature. Two gubernatorial candidates - Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds - favor a depoliticized process. Although Republican Bob McDonnell is reluctant to sign on, his running mate, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, is an advocate for the cause.

Leaders in both parties should use this pivotal moment to show they can act in the best interests of their constituents.