Sandoval expects no problems with legislative redistricting decision
Gov. Brian Sandoval on Tuesday expressed confidence in Carson City Judge James T. Russell's ability to oversee redrawing of congressional and legislative district boundaries.
Sandoval also said he doesn't anticipate having to call a special session to finish the job of redistricting, which sets the political landscape for the next decade. It went to court after he and Democratic leaders of the Legislature failed to agree on a plan during the regular session.
"I'm confident in Judge Russell. I think he's handled the case very well," Sandoval said.
"I don't think there are any facts out there that would justify the calling of a special session," he said.
Sandoval offered his support for the judge in response to questions during an interview with the editorial board of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The governor's comments came a day after Secretary of State Ross Miller filed papers asking the Nevada Supreme Court to intervene. Miller wants the court to order the district judge to rule on several legal matters before he allows a special panel of three citizens to draw the new maps.
The main issue is whether the U.S. Voting Rights Act requires drawing one of Nevada's four new congressional districts to encompass a majority of Hispanics, who make up 26 percent of the state population. Republicans argue Latinos merit their own district to give Hispanics a better chance of electing a minority to Congress. Democrats argue there is no evidence of discriminatory elections.
Sandoval said he won't question Russell's decision to ask the special panel to decide the Hispanic issue instead of doing it himself. The panel will hold two public hearings next week on the matter.
"I'm not going to second guess the judge," said Sandoval, a former federal judge.
Sandoval said he thinks there is plenty of time to allow for expected appeals of any new maps to the state Supreme Court before candidates can begin filing for office in March.
"I think it will be done on time," the governor said.
