Remember what has happened in Wisconsin

Given what has happened in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Michigan in recent days, you may be wondering what would be happening in Iowa right now if the election had ended differently. Would incumbent Republicans be in an 'emergency” session to hamstring an incoming Fred Hubbell administration?

I realize Iowa's part-time Legislature limits the chance for mischief. But as what happened in those other states shows, Republicans on the verge of losing control become hostile to the will of voters.

And, speaking of the will of voters, remember that because of the gerrymandered districts the Wisconsin lawmakers who perpetrated this will likely be easily reelected. Democratic voters have been packed into a handful of districts. Republicans will likely lose the popular vote statewide.

Yes, Wisconsin Gov.-Elect Tony Evers will be in office when new districts are drawn after the 2020 Census, but expect more efforts to limit his ability to stop another gerrymander.

I know Iowa has nonpartisan, independent apportionment. But, after losing two congressional seats to Democrats in 2018, Republican interests in Washington will be pressuring the trifecta in Des Moines to end what the GOP no doubt considers an injustice to their party.

All Iowans should be on alert to protect what someone such as myself, who came here from Wisconsin, considers a benefit of living in the Hawkeye state. Living in Wisconsin taught me to never take democracy for granted.

Arthur Hackett

Cedar Rapids