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. Politicians want safe districts, districts where they know the issues and the voters, and where the voters know them. State legislators control redistricting, so when the National Conference of State Legislatures met in Las Vegas this summer, the most mind-numbing, technical, boring sessions on redistricting drew legislators in like a blockbuster movie with nude scenes and free popcorn. Because redistricting determines winner and losers. Redistricting used to be like sorcery, an obscure art known only to a few deeply knowledgeable insiders.