The McLean Citizens Association is pondering legal action over the state’s new redistricting maps, because members are unhappy with the way the General Assembly carved out the new 31st state Senate district.
“I think the desire is there – the frustration is there,” association President Rob Jackson said.
The new 31st district would stretch all the way from Arlington County through Fairfax to Loudoun, and split McLean.
Jackson said he has spoken with an attorney about potential legal action, but that talks are still in the early stages. He said the sprawling district lumps constituencies with different interests in issues — like widening Interstate 66, for example – differ markedly between citizens inside and outside the Beltway.
State senators placed the home of Republican businesswoman Caren Merrick, who originally planned to run against Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, into the new district. The 31st seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, D-Arlington.
Declared Democratic candidates in the race in the 31st include Arlington county board member Barbara Favola and Army Lt. Col. Jaime Areizaga-Soto.
