ARLINGTON, Virginia — Arlington Republicans are rolling their eyes at the Make DC Square Again Act. Matthew Hurtt, chairman of the Arlington County Republican Committee, made it clear he does not view the proposal to return Arlington to Washington, D.C., as a serious or viable policy idea.
The proposal, introduced by Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA), would reincorporate Arlington and Alexandria, two independent jurisdictions in northern Virginia, into the District of Columbia. If Arlington and Alexandria are added back, the district would look more like a slanted square, as the bill’s title suggests. The capital is currently in the shape of an incomplete diamond.
“This proposal is a great conversation starter in a political science class,” Hurtt told the Washington Examiner. “But it isn’t going anywhere in Congress, and it’s certainly not going anywhere in the ballot box.”
But Hurtt has a blunt take on the Georgia congressman’s stunt. This is political theater, not governance.
“Senators want to be president, and congressmen want sound bites and clips to raise money,” Hurtt said. “This is probably wildly popular outside the Beltway. … It’s just not serious.”
Hurtt also added that if the act passed, it could lead to D.C. statehood.
“It’s a very dangerous pathway to D.C. statehood, which I’m certain all Republicans oppose,” Hurtt warned. “It’s a member of Congress looking for a platform, looking to raise money, and not seriously thinking about the consequences of what this legislation would realistically do.”
It’s not just Republicans against the idea. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who currently represents Virginia’s 8th Congressional District encompassing Arlington and Alexandria, is fiercely opposed to the legislation.
“Rich McCormick’s bill is an embarrassing legislative tantrum,” Beyer said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. “It is also unconstitutional, and a stupid waste of time. Republicans upset about the passage of Virginia’s redistricting referendum should stop whining, as they have no one to blame but themselves.”
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The act was put forward in response to Virginians passing a redistricting referendum on April 21, changing the map from a 6-5 Democratic majority to a 10-1 Democratic majority in the state.
The map is currently in limbo as the Virginia Supreme Court weighs its legality.
David Zimmermann contributed to this report.