Democrats Push for Hearing on Redistricting Bill

State senate Democrats push GOP to get bill out of committee

Monday, Mar 7, 2011 | Updated 5:15 PM EDT

Democrats Push for Hearing on Redistricting Bill

Andrew Cuomo, the Democratic candidate for Governor, reported he had 23.6 million in his campaign war chest. His Republican opponent, Rick Lazio, has raised a mere $688, 821.

State senate Democrats have petitioned the Republican majority to publicly air legislation for reforming the state's legislative redistricting process.

With 11 signatures from members of the Rules Committee, where the bill is pending, Democrats say that's enough to get a hearing unless the panel's Republican majority rejects it.

Deputy Democratic leader Sen. Neil Breslin of Albany delivered it to his Republican counterpart, Sen. Thomas Libous of Binghamton.

The bill proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo would have an independent commission redraw election district lines based on Census data.

In Albany, majority parties have long drawn lines to protect their hold on power.

Senate Republican spokesman Mark Hansen says the Democrats' "political theater" takes the focus off the budget and a $10 billion deficit he says was caused by Democratic overspending.

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