Virginia redistricting loss magnifies important fight inside GOP

Virginia Democrats won a gerrymandering referendum, raising questions about whether Republicans should have avoided or fought harder in the redistricting fight. The 'yes' vote prevailed, further imperiling Republicans' hold on the House of Representatives. The outcome has sparked debate among Republicans about their strategy on gerrymandering, with some arguing that they should be more ruthless in their pursuit of redistricting. The Virginia redistricting fight was seen as a test of the New Right's strategy of beating Democrats at their own game. The result could be a sign for Republicans to get serious about redistricting, starting with a push in Florida. The conservative commentator Shane Harris wrote that the Virginia vote is the 'GOP's sign to play hardball'.