LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
13.09.05-DUKE-notes that Congressmen and Senators are increasingly concerned that their constituents' economic woes could be the big issue at the polls. Discussion with ROBERTS/WERTHEIMER and guest commentators of the issues of the 1982 campaign year. Discussion of cyclical patterns of Senate elections, many more DEMOCRATS are up for re-election, liberals and moderates, who are vulnerable. The Economy will be major issue, if things get worse, REPUBLICANS could lose significantly, DEMOCRATS benefit from attracting more candidates. Discussion of YOUNG REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVES in HOUSE, many swept into office on REAGAN coattails. Difficult for REPUBLICANS to run on platform of "change" since they control Senate and White House. Discussion of SUNBELT gaining population in last Census, political shift in apportionment, role of State Legislators in adjusting Congressional Districts, efforts by parties to manipulate districts to maximize their chances. Discussion of heightened PARTISANSHIP in 1982. 13.22.42-Continued panel discussion of 1982 election prognosis. Discussion of REPUBLICAN financing of STATE LEGISLATOR campaigns, building a strong base to work from. Discussion of Computer-processed Census, which ends up pleasing no one in the political arena, one man argues that districting is an inherently political process, can't be made consensual just by use of computers. Discussion of MINORITY voters. In some states, REPUBLICANS forging strange coalitions with MINORITIES by drawing districts with majorities of "minority" voters, allows election of minority representatives in a few districts, but takes DEMOCRATIC votes out of other districts. Discussion of the role of the courts in redistricting, unpredictable outcomes. Speculation about the outcome in elections-members who have to campaign in new districts will be less compliant with REAGAN'S agenda; Liberal Northeast will feel losses, no longer dominate the legislative arena. A general Conservative trend in Congress. 13.28.38-DUKE signs off. Closing Credits/transcript order information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID 13.30.30--OUT