Last week, though, the federal court in Washington came to the GOP's rescue with a unanimous, three-judge decision that bans sampling.
Republicans are jubilant.
It's not a matter of political opinion, it's not a matter of argument, it is illegal to take any census other than actual enumeration for the purpose of reapportionment. I certainly think there was a time when that was completely true. It also happens to be the most boring issue in politics. Politicians rely on that fact. If no one is watching when they redraw the lines, they can get away with anything, and they always have.