Alaska is one of three states (with Kentucky and Texas) with interim maps for 2012 that have to be redrawn. On Thursday, it passed three draft plans to shop around the state in upcoming hearings.

That bit of news is important on its own, but I’m also using this post as a test to see whether yesterday’s ELB server upgrade affected my ability to post, as Rick leaves me with the keys to the blog for the upcoming week.  You’ll also likely see plenty of guest posts on the Shelby County cases as they come down.  And our fearless leader will be checking in from time to time, particularly with SCOTUS reactions.  So a reminder to check the byline if you’re looking to yell at someone over a post, to be sure that your rage is targeted appropriately.