The current closed primaries, in which the parties' activist wings usually prevail, typically produce liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans as the nominees. That dynamic is what's driving the brutal partisanship that grips Sacramento -- and its effects will persist no matter who handles reapportionment.
Schwarzenegger's roll of the reapportionment dice could be expensive for California taxpayers if a special election is needed to decide the issue, and for special interests that will be hit up by candidates in tough races who need big bucks to survive politically.
