No, but it’s possible to draw a competitive district that’s mostly west of the mountains – if you’re willing to do some gerrymandering.
Opinion
Posted inOpinion
So the redistricting commission failed. Why is anyone surprised?
Did anyone really expect the parties to agree on a plan? Here’s how other states with redistricting commissions avoid partisan gridlock.
Posted inOpinion
Virginia has the ability to fix our crumbling schools; do we have the will?
Using a fund originally intended for school construction, Virginia has spent 33 times more on teacher retirements over the past six years than on construction.
Posted inOpinion
What the redistricting commission has taught us
The process hasn’t been pretty but we have gotten to see how both parties would like to gerrymander the state.
Posted inOpinion
Should we have a U.S. 460 congressional district?
What if we drew a congressional district that united the New River Valley, the Roanoke Valley and Lynchburg?
Posted inOpinion
Can we draw a purely Southside congressional district?
Yes, and it can be very easily done. But will it be?
Posted inOpinion
Three ways to draw the 9th District
The Fightin’ Ninth has limited ways to expand, so which way will it be?
Posted inOpinion
Is the redistricting commission listening to what voters want?
Here’s what some voters have told the commission. So far, the results are mixed.
Posted inOpinion
Why are vaccination rates so low in Southwest and Southside?
It’s not simply because they’re rural because there are lots of rural counties with much higher vaccination rates. So what is it?
Posted inOpinion
What Appalachia really needs
What Appalachia really needs is more private investment. So why aren’t all those companies who profess a commitment to social values making Appalachia one of those?