That the Republican state senators in Indiana who rejected a gerrymandering bill had the people and common sense on their side does not diminish their demonstration of character https://t.co/hGpqSN9XVC ...

>> OUR NEXT GUEST IS HERE TO WEIGH IN ON THE BUSINESS CLIMATE IN US CITIES, AFFORDABILITY AND MUCH MORE. LET'S BRING IN DALLAS MAYOR ERIC JOHNSON, CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLICAN MAYORS ASSOCIATION, WHICH IS CONVENING HERE IN NEW YORK CITY. MR.MAYOR, WELCOME. GOOD MORNING TO YOU. MORNING.DALLAS HAS A LOT OF GOLDMAN SACHS EMPLOYEES. IT'S GOT AN EXCHANGE LAUNCHING. I MEAN, WHAT'S BEEN SORT OF THE DRIVING FORCE THERE IN TERMS OF ATTRACTING BUSINESSES. >> WELL, I THINK THIS IS IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME IN ...

Political Stance & Defiance - Indiana Republicans rejected a Trump-backed effort to rig the state's congressional map, with 21 Republicans crossing party lines [1] - The rejection followed a month-long pressure campaign from the White House, including threats of primary challenges and violent threats [2] - The Indiana Republicans' stance is seen as a message that such tactics won't work, potentially impacting other states [12][13] Policy & Principles - The Indiana State Senator emphasized the importance of traditional Republican values and policies that make sense for the long term, not just transactional policies [4] - The vote was not just a mere policy debate but a hugely consequential decision with ripple effects [11] - Bad policy stays forever, highlighting the long-term impact of legislative decisions [9] Political Consequences & Courage - There were threats of political consequences from the White House, including potential primary challenges backed by significant funding (2-3 million dollars) [6][7] - Despite the threats, some Republicans prioritized their principles and the will of their constituents over their seats [4][8] - One senator highlighted that money is not everything, emphasizing the importance of work ethic, policy, and listening to constituents [18]

Campaign Finance Regulations & Political Influence - The Supreme Court heard arguments regarding campaign finance regulations, potentially allowing unlimited party committee spending, likened to "Citizens United 2.0" [1] - Republicans anticipate favorable rulings from the court before the midterms, while the Trump Department of Justice did not defend the existing rules [1] - A potential ruling striking down regulations would favor billionaire money in politics and Republicans [1] Texas Redistricting & Racial Gerrymandering - A lower court found Texas' redistricting unconstitutional and racially gerrymandered, but the Supreme Court allowed it "for now" [1] - The redistricting aimed for partisan gain, with race allegedly used to achieve it, similar to using race to influence outcomes, which the Supreme Court has previously restricted [2] - A three-judge court found racial gerrymandering by a 2-1 decision, but the Supreme Court allowed the redistricting, potentially disenfranchising Black voters [1] Supreme Court's Role & Ethical Concerns - The Supreme Court is seen as overtaking the role of federal district courts in fact-finding, as highlighted by Justice Alito's concurring opinion [4] - A federal judge attended a presidential rally, raising concerns about inappropriate behavior and impunity, potentially influenced by the Supreme Court's perceived lack of ethical boundaries [7][8] - There are concerns that Trump's perceived immunity is extending to his supporters, leading to potential misconduct [9][10]

Redistricting Controversy - The report focuses on the controversy surrounding redistricting efforts in Indiana and Florida, highlighting the tension between partisan interests and constitutional principles [1][2][19] - The redistricting process in Indiana is described as overwhelmingly unpopular, with opposition from former Republican governors and lieutenant governors [5] - Indiana residents testified against the redistricting map, and hundreds protested the effort [2] - The Club for Growth is running ads promoting redistricting in Indiana, framing it as a way to protect Republican interests and Trump's agenda [8] Legal and Constitutional Challenges - The report emphasizes that mid-decade redistricting in Indiana may violate the state constitution [17] - Florida's constitution includes strict guidelines prohibiting partisan gerrymandering and the dilution of minority representation [21][22][25] - Florida voters amended their constitution in 2011 to prevent partisan gerrymandering, reinforcing state law protections [24] Political Implications - Donald Trump is pressuring Republican holdouts in Indiana to support redistricting [1] - Some Indiana Republicans are facing death threats and swatting incidents due to their stance on redistricting [1][6] - The report suggests that Republicans in Indiana could face political backlash for supporting redistricting efforts that serve Trump's interests [16] - The situation in Florida is presented as Trump's last chance to gain GOP seats through redistricting [19]

Political Strategy & Motivation - The individual withdrew from the US Senate race to run for Congressional District 33, believing a primary runoff would not serve the state's best interests [3] - The decision was influenced by a desire to serve the community and address concerns about constitutional violations and risks to core values [6] - The individual aims to be a strong voice in Congress against perceived presidential overreach [6] Gerrymandering & Representation - Gerrymandering in Texas, particularly in District 33, reduces Democratic representation in Congress [9][13][15] - The individual views gerrymandering as destructive to democracy, leading to less responsive and more extreme representatives [18] - The individual intends to advocate for legislation to ban gerrymandering and establish nonpartisan independent commissions for district drawing [20] Key Issues & Concerns - An affordability and corruption crisis exists, where hardworking individuals feel they cannot get ahead while others cut corners [11][12] - There's a sense of fear and concern among the public, with people looking for solutions and representation [22] - The individual aims to address these issues and give hope to those feeling left behind [12]

Redistricting Plan & Political Landscape - Indiana House Republicans advanced a redistricting map potentially granting the GOP all nine of the state's congressional seats [1][2] - The proposed map faces scrutiny in the Senate, with hearings scheduled to begin on Monday [2] - The current congressional representation in Indiana is seven Republicans and two Democrats [2] - The new map could lead to all nine districts being under Republican control [2] Key Issues & Controversies - A major point of contention is the division of Marian County, home to Indianapolis, into four districts [3] - Critics argue the division of Marian County, a diverse urban area, is a political maneuver [3][4] - Supporters claim the redistricting aims to even the playing field, countering past Democratic advantages [4] - The governor referenced Massachusetts' redistricting practices as justification [4] External Pressure & Monitoring - Former President Trump has publicly urged the passage of the map, targeting GOP state senators perceived as hesitant [6] - The Senate vote on the redistricting map is scheduled for the upcoming Thursday [6]

Joining us, late senior writer and co-host of the Amicus podcast, Mark Joseph Stern, investigative reporter for the Austin American Statesman Tony Pitky, former deputy assistant attorney general Tom Dri, and MS Now senior legal reporter Lisa Rubin. So Mark Joseph Stern um yet again using the shadow docket. Then again, they needed to do something about this if they were going to act at all before the December 7th deadline. They're arguing the uh lower court got in the way of a midterm, but wouldn't the lower ...

Healthcare Affordability & Policy - The discussion centers on the high cost of living, particularly housing, groceries, and electricity, with concerns that Republican refusal to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits will dramatically increase healthcare costs for millions [7][8] - Democrats claim to be focused on driving down the high cost of living, while Republicans are accused of lying about addressing inflationary pressures and now dismissing the affordability crisis as a hoax [8][10][11] - A bipartisan bill framework involving Representatives Gottheimer and Kiggans has been introduced as a potential path to ACA renewal [15] - 214 Democrats have signed a discharge petition to extend ACA tax credits for three years, needing only four House Republican votes to pass [16] - Senate Democrats, led by Leader Schumer, will force an up-or-down vote on extending ACA tax credits [17][18] - House Republicans are criticized for a "my way or the highway" approach, showing no interest in bipartisan solutions to fix the broken healthcare system and address the Republican-created healthcare crisis [20][21] - There's a possibility of a healthcare bill passing the Senate but failing in the House due to Republican opposition [22] Political Strategy & Redistricting - The Supreme Court's ruling on Texas redistricting is viewed as rubber-stamping a racially gerrymandered map engineered by Texas Republicans at Donald Trump's order [3] - Despite the adverse ruling, efforts will continue to ensure fair maps across the country, with California's Prop 50 cited as an example [3] - The speaker calls on more traditional or swing-seat Republicans to pressure their leadership to allow a vote on extending ACA tax credits [23]

Breaking moments ago, the conservative Supreme Court has just cleared the way for Texas to use its gerrymandered congressional map, which could help Republicans gain five more seats in next year's midterms. In a 6-3 decision, the court granted a stay on a lower court ruling that had previously blocked the map. In a scathing descent, Justice Elena Kagan wrote, "Today's order disserves the millions of Texans whom the district court found were signed to their new districts based on their race." >> Yeah, this i ...