Squabbling rages?

Headline on a link to the azcentral.com political insider blog post on the latest development in the Arizona redistricting saga says "Squabbling rages over state redistricting panel."

While it's easy to imagine soon-to-be Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce seething over yesterday's decision by the screening panel to snub the demands he and his compadre in the Arizona House, Kirk Adams made, the rage -- so far -- is limited to those two contemplating their next move.  Arizona Republic reporter Mary Jo Pitzl reported that "Pearce issued a statement expressing regret at the commission's action. And, he added, 'the commission and legislative leadership have a clear disagreement on this issue, and today we are reviewing future options'."

At present, Pearce's options appear to be either to file a lawsuit to challenge the actions of the screening panel or wait for his turn to appoint one person from the list provided to him yesterday. 

Unless something is changed by a court ruling as a result his hypothetical lawsuit, the clock is ticking on the selection process.  The Arizona Constitution, in Article 4, Part 2, Section 1 gives House Speaker Kirk Adams until January 31, 2011 to make the first appointment.  Then, in turn, House Democratic Leader Chad Campbell, Pearce and Senate Democratic Leader David Schapira have seven days each in which to make their choices for commissioner. 

Any of the four who fail to make a selection within the allowed time forfeits the right to make a selection at all.  If that happens, the screening panel goes back to work and makes the appointment for them.

For now, we all wait to see whether Adams makes his pick or he and Pearce spend Arizona taxpayer money on a frivolous lawsuit.

I will keep you posted.