Scudder's Going To Be Absent From Vote

The reapportionment plan set to be voted on tomorrow needs the support of at least a few Democrats in order to pass.

That's according to Majority Leader Larry Barmore, R-Gerry, who spoke with The Observer today.

Fredonia Republican Bob Scudder is going to be out of town tomorrow, according to Barmore. That's at least one Republican caucus vote the majority party can't count on.

Legislature Chairman Fred Croscut, R-Sherman, had similarly said the plan needs the support of some Democrats -- in comments made late last month

"Even if we have 100 percent Republican caucus support of the redistricting tomorrow, we only have 12 votes," Barmore said.

Reapportionment, unlike changes to the County Charter, needs only a simple majority to pass -- that's 13 votes, not 17.

"So we can't cram it down their throats," Barmore said. "And I think that's a good thing. It's not going to pass without some bi-partisan support.

"And, in fact," Barmore continued, "there's quite a possibility that at least a couple of Republican legislators won't vote for it. I don't know that for sure, but it's possible. And so unless three or four or five Democrats decide to vote along with it, it's not going to pass."

Democrats have promised that legal challenges will come if the plan is passed.

Barmore said Tuesday that "it would be kind of foolish" for the party to bring legal charges against the plan, as the only way it will be passed is with the support of members of their caucus.

"You can just vote against it to start with," he said.

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