NM Redistricting judge rejects “special master”

From Capitol Report New Mexico.com - Last week, Gov. Susana Martinez called for establishing a “special master” to determine redistricting maps across the state in light of her vetoes of maps of Public Regulation Commission, and state House and Senate races as well as the Democratic Party-majority’s inability to produce a map for US congressional races. The move received approval from the editorial board of the Albuquerque Journal, which said of the Martinez suggestion: “This just makes sense. Gov. Susana Martinez and her advisers on redistricting have come up with a proposal that could save the state millions of dollars.” But on Tuesday (Oct. 25), the retired judge appointed by the legislature to determine redistricting matters, James Hall, struck down ”special master” request, saying in a court order the move “would not lead to greater efficiency, and, in fact, may well increase the time and expense involved in this litgation.” Hall went on to say that instituting a special master would insert “additional procedural steps to already complex litigation” and “will open the door to extensive disputes between the parties.” Both Republicans and Democrats — as well as Indian tribes — have filed suits over the redistricting maps. Republicans say the maps passed by the legislature unfairly tilt the political advantage to Democrats while Dems have gone to court to defend the maps they put before Gov. Martinez. What happens now? Hall will proceed to determine the redistricting lines on his own, as he was assigned by the state Supreme Court earlier this month. Read more

NM Redistricting judge rejects “special master”