State Supreme Court Invalidates Redistricting Plan

The Pennsylvania State Supreme Court has invalidated the state assembly's 2011 redistricting plans. The court issued the order Wednesday afternoon:

[T]his Court finds that the final 2011 Legislative Reapportionment Plan is contrary to law. ... Accordingly, the final 2011 Legislative Reapportionment Plan is REMANDED to the 2011 Legislative Reapportionment Commission with a directive to reapportion the Commonwealth in a manner consistent with this Court’s Opinion

The 4-3 ruling casts uncertainty on numerous statewide races, including that of the 19th Senatorial district. State Sen. Andrew Dinniman was facing a primary challenge from former state Rep. Thomas Houghton, whose London Grove home was included in the 19th as part of the redistricting process.

PoliticsPA's Geoffrey Middleberg said the decision creates "a whole new ball game":

The leaders of the Republican caucuses in the state House and state Senate will surely criticize the decision.

The Associated Press (via philly.com) rounded up reaction from local lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, a Democrat from Allegheny County:

Costa said a restarted process could take weeks or months, depending on the details of the majority's written opinion, which has not yet been released.

"At least for the time being, I think that the 2001 districts may be on pretty solid ground as we go forward," Costa told reporters in a conference call late Wednesday.

The court's decision also necessitated a new schedule for candidates looking to get on the ballot, though election dates will not change:

Thursday, January 26     First day to circulate nomination petitions

Thursday, February 16     Last day to file nomination petitions

Thursday, February 23     Last day to file objections to set aside nomination petitions

Monday, February 27    Last day that court may fix for hearings on objections to nomination petitions

Friday, March 2     Last day for court to finally determine objections to nomination petitions

Friday, March 2     Last day for withdrawal by candidates who filed nomination petitions

The high court's decision affects only state assembly districts, not congressional districts. So, Bullwinkle J. Moose (PA-7) is safe.