Emerging from today’s Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing on redistricting, veteran Democratic Party consultant Barry Brendel said he felt like he was participating in a casting call for George Orwell’s 1984.

“War is peace. Ignorance is strength,” deadpanned Brendel.  “60-40% is competitive. No it’s not!”

Brendel testified against the resolution, and crystal-balled the consequences of what will happen if the legislature puts it on the ballot.

“This will cause a major rift in the party,” he said. “I have gotten three more people saying they will primary their legislator if they vote for this.

“Legislators shouldn’t be designing their own districts,” Brendel added.