Delegate offers gerrymandering solution

Make congressional districts follow state’s district pattern, Arundel’s aMalone says

As the Democratic and Republican parties battle over how to draw congressional districts, one Maryland delegate thinks he has a simple solution .

Del. Michael Malone is sponsoring a bill that would require congressional districts to be compact and respect geographic boundaries and local city and county boundaries. It’s the same legal standard required for the state’s districts for delegates and state senators. “It’s easily understood. It provides clear guidelines,” said Malone, an Anne Arundel County Republican.

In November, a federal court ordered that Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Western Maryland and much of Montgomery County, be redrawn. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, a Democrat, has appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court. As the court case plays out, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan has appointed a commission to suggest new boundaries for the district. He also is pushing legislation that would require congressional districts to be drawn in the future by a bipartisan commission.

Malone said he supports the governor’s bill, but is putting forth his idea as a simpler alternative with bipartisan support.

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