FairVote and Congressional supporters of the
Fairness and Independence
in Redistricting Act speak on the
need for nationwide standards for redistricting
need for nationwide standards for redistricting
WHAT: | A press conference and belated “birthday party” for Elbridge B. Gerry, 5th Vice President of the US and inventor of gerrymandering. A group of distinguished speakers will discuss Rep. John Tanner’s “Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act” and the skyrocketing incumbent-retention rate in Congress. The FIR Act has recently reached 31 cosponsors. Free birthday cake will be available after the press conference. |
WHEN: | Wednesday, July 20th, 2005 at 3:30 pm (a few days after Elbridge Gerry’s birthday) |
WHERE: | Room HC-7 of the Capitol Building Washington, DC Capitol pass is required. |
WHO: | Rep. John Tanner (TN) - Sponsor of the Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act John B. Anderson - Former Congressman and 1980 Independent presidential candidate Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR) - Cosponsor Rep. Allen Boyd (FL) - Cosponsor Rep. Charlie Melancon (LA) – Cosponsor & Other supporters of the Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act |
VISUALS: | Congressmen will cut up a large frosted birthday cake in a demonstration of how whoever draws legislative boundaries has the power to reward friends and punish enemies politically. |
For information or comment on this event or the issue of redistricting, contact Ryan O’Donnell at (301) 270-4616 or [email protected].
FairVote is a non-profit, non-partisan
organization that studies the impact of electoral rules and systems on
turnout, representation and electoral competition. Its president is
John B. Anderson, former Congressman and presidential candidate.