If there have been cases of redistricting that were scrupulously fair and divorced from partisan considerations, they are almost certainly in the minority. Democrats seek political advantage if they are in power at the time when redistricting comes up every decade. Republicans do, too.
As it happens, Republicans are now in control of the Tennessee General Assembly, having made astounding electoral strides over the past few years and winning majority control of both houses of the legislature. So they are in the driver’s seat as redistricting is once again under consideration.
Will they break with historical precedent and remove any hint of partisan politics from the process? Not likely. In fact, Democrats are already casting a wary eye at GOP redistricting proposals that may make things tougher for Democrat incumbents.
But before the debate heats up out of all proportion, it is worthwhile to ask this question: After Tennessee has seen years of Republican gains in the General Assembly, is it realistic to think that the map of the state’s legislative districts would — or should — look precisely the same as it did when Democrats held far more seats?
Redistricting is extraordinarily complicated, and we do not envy lawmakers who must try to fashion districts that at least attempt to treat residents of the state justly.
But complaints about the process, while understandable, are also predictable. And in the end, they are probably fruitless.