Odds and Ends: Mostly Election Related

New York Congressional Map

After the new Hochul additions to the New York Court of Appeals (highest court) made the difference, the districting of the state's House districts was resubmitted to the independent commission set up for the job.

We now have a map, with only one dissent, from the commission. The legislature now has to agree. This back-and-forth happened before, resulting in a final map the pre-Hochul Court found illegal. The result was a court-drawn map that helped the Republicans win Congress. I doubt it was the only thing, but it helped.

We shall see what happens with this one. It is perhaps notable that more than one top Republican (including former candidate for governor, Lee Zeldin) supports the map. Not a great sign, perhaps.

Trump Trial News 

The NY election case now has a late March trial date. Let's see if that holds. If it does, reasonable chance it would be the first case to be brought to trial. 

It's a helpful thing in that the general argument is that "yeah, he's probably guilty, but it's just too small fry." Toss in "it's novel." I think something is to be said about applying the law, even "minor ones," to Trump.

Meanwhile, some people are very concerned ("Who will tell the children?!") about Fani Willis' relationship ethics. Prof. Anthony Michael Kreis, a person I go to for legal analysis on Georgia matters, on Twitter basically said there was a lot of messiness, but it is unclear how the hearing taking place actually changed anything. 

Plus, the double standard (with racism and sexism) involved is rather offensive. People raise Trump being a sexual predator. Well yes. I'm not sure of the specific relevance to the election crimes he is being charged with. There are somewhat, including when election officials are targeted. But, it does remain as an overall thing above everything. 

Let's focus on the real picture here. We can go on and on about how she should have handled herself better. We can say that about lots of public figures. Bottom line, however, what relevance does this have to the fairness of the trial? 

ETA: A former Watergate prosecutor reaffirms the value of the "hush money " prosecution. 

Back in Trump's Russia 

Recent news includes a reference to Trump supporting attacks on NATO. Trump's support of worldwide authoritarianism is a major issue in this election. Russia helped him win in 2016. Trump's team helped them.

There is now news that Alexei Navalny has reportedly died in prison. I am rather surprised it took this long. A Putin opponent in prison always seemed like a dead man walking.

Recall that Trump's side cheers on his killers. 

Meanwhile, even if he is not doing enough, the Biden Administration is trying to promote international justice. The latest is helping Palestinians remain in this country. 

Note: I will likely do the SCOTUS update on Tuesday, after the order list drops. Recall Monday is a holiday.