New Jersey's redistricting for the 40 districts that each elect one person to the State Senate and two to the State Assembly is now finished. The 11th (neutral) member, Professor Rosenthal of Rutgers, sided with the five Democrats on the Commission to outvote the Republicans 6-5 today. Dr. Rosenthal had been nominated by both parties to serve as the tie-breaking vote. Overall it is believed that this is a map that will help Democrats retain control in the 2011 elections.
This was also a personal defeat for Republican Governor Chris Christie, noted bully and loudmouth, who inserted himself into the meetings in an unprecedented way.
You should be aware that both parties map were redrawn repeatedly to attract his vote and to satisfy public pressure. Republicans do note that they consider this map fairer. Here is video posted by Politicker NJ where Dr. Rosenthal explains his choice:
Congressional Redistricting is done by an different commission, also with equal representation, and won't happen for a while.
Blue Jersey has posted the legislative map and also the race/population breakdown and the list of each town. (The data were provided by the state Democratic Party.) I suggest you check the frontpage and user diaries at Blue Jersey for discussion of the new map and how incumbents in some cases may decide to move. Politicker NJ and NJ.com are also worth checking out.
Primaries for the legislature are this June and the entire Senate and Assembly will be elected in November 2011. If Republicans do gain control, they will be following the lead of the lunatics in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, etc. Please volunteer and vote this year.