Gov. McDonnell creates bipartisan redistricting commission in Virginia

PilotOnline.com:
"Gov. Bob McDonnell has named an independent, bipartisan redistricting commission to gather public input and make recommendations as state lawmakers prepare to redraw legislative boundaries later this year.

The 11-member advisory panel announced Monday adds another layer to the process of shaping state legislative and congressional districts, which will be done by the General Assembly this year after updated U.S. Census population information becomes available. Those numbers are expected in February.

The commission will create and review proposed redistricting plans for the state House of Delegates, Senate and congressional lines, and recommend plans that meet reapportionment criteria. District boundaries are redrawn every ten years in Virginia by the legislature.

Establishing the commission fulfills a campaign promise McDonnell made when he was running for governor. Past efforts to create a commission in the law have been killed in the House."