Arnold’s redistricting proposition, Prop. 77, has brought together some very disparate groups and politicians.  Redistricting NEEDS a reformation process, but 77 is the wrong way to go about it.  It would lead to the possibility of voters using several different maps, with massive headaches ensuing if the first map doesn’t pass.  Now, the reasons aren’t always consistent, but a wide range of politicians have come out against Prop 77.  Notable names include Hillary Clinton, Dick Armey (yes, the former GOP Majority Leader), and Nancy Pelosi.

Lest you doubt me on the Dick Armey count: From National Journal’s Hotline (subscription required)

Ex-Maj. Leader Dick Armey (R) also sends a
letter, urging no votes on 77. Armey: “By voting for
Proposition 77, you may actually be voting to put
Congress back in the hands of liberal Democrats”
(Hotline sources, 11/3).

Now, unsuprisingly, Armey is only concerned about getting warm conservative butts in House seats.  What Armey is likely insinuating is a reference to Ohio’s Reform Ohio Now.  While Prop 77 would likely mean a slight pickup of seats for the GOP, Ohio’s redistricting would likely yield up to 5 new Democrat seats.  Armey and many other GOP leaders are concerned about this.  Who isn’t? Arnold.  He officialy supports Reform Ohio Now.

And as for Ms. Pelosi? Well, that boils down to the “No on 77” Committee’s advertising on a GOP slate card. From Capitol Weekly:

A new slate mailer produced by the Citizens for
Good Government urges GOPers to vote yes on 3 of
Schwarzenegger’s initiatives, but not Prop 77
(redistricting). The No on 77 cmte contributed which
has $610K to the mailer, with only $50K coming from
other groups. House Min. Leader Nancy Pelosi (D)
herself has donated $25K to the No on 77 cmte, “and
helped corral donations from” other Dem Reps. No on 77
spokesperson Stephanie Williamson: “We are a committee
for No on 77 and our main concern is defeating
Proposition 77. We are trying to exercise the most
effective means to doing that.” Asked if that means a
Dem-funded cmte “is willing to subsidize a mailer”
urging GOP votes on other initiatives: “I wouldn’t say
we paid for it. I would say we bought on to that
slate.”
 From the mailer: “Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger’s Reform Agenda will bring a breath of
fresh air to Sacramento. … Arnold deserves our
thanks and gratitude. But Republicans should fear 3
randomly selected volunteer retired judges (with
political prejudices) having all the power. No on
Proposition 77!!”

In the election post-mortem we need to look into the question of whether our resources were being used in the most efficient manner and that our efforts were integrated to a sufficient manner.  Helping to support some of the propisitions while harming others seems a little counter to our best interests.