House Democrats really need to send Jerry Brown some kind of present -- his popularity and successful governance was very likely what saved the close Democratic House seats in CA. At some point after he is gone, the dam will break.
The comparison between AZ and OH is a strawman argument. No one disputes that OH is completely openly gerrymandered in favor of the Republicans. The difference is that Democrats seem to feel that AZ is a completely reasonable, non-partisan map, when it's clear that portions of it were designed in 2011 to be favorable to Democrats. Being a fairer map than OH's isn't really a spectacular accomplishment.
Brown had almost no effect downballot, as Democrats lost Assembly seats and a state Senate seat. There was little interest in the Governor's race, because Brown was safe, so his presence didn't drive much turnout. Even when he's gone, Democrats will still win.
