The political fight over Ohio's congressional districts rages on in hearings contemplating who's map is in voters' best interest."The only reason that we are in this state is not because of the constitution and the provisions that were overwhelmingly passed by Ohio voters, it's simply because we have commissioners who do not want to follow the constitution," said Minority Leader District 24 (D) Rep. Allison Russo."This is not a clear path forward, and I do not agree that members of this commission have not tried to do this in good faith," said Co-Chair District 4 (R) Rep. Robert Cupp.Wednesday, all five Republicans on the commission voted down a Democratic proposed map that would give the GOP an edge in eight of the 15 seats.The map accepted has 10 Republican districts, two Democratic districts and three toss-up districts that lean Democratic."This constitutional plan is designed to create a series of incentives on both sides to make an agreement. The big incentive for the majority to make an agreement is if you don't get enough support from the minority party, your map only lasts for four years," said (R) Sen. Matt Huffman District 12.Russo pushed back with the goal of a resolution on a bipartisan map that would last 10 years."So essentially what we are hearing is that commissioner Huffman is arguing that there is no need to follow any of the anti-gerrymandering provisions of the constitution, including what the court specifically stated in their decision that the plan that they overruled unduly favored the republican party over the Democratic party. That is essentially like me robbing a bank and saying that is my money," Russo said.The approved map will likely result in at least a 10-5 GOP-favored map. The Ohio Supreme Court will decide if this map makes the cut. Without maps, Ohioans can't vote on statehouse and congressional races on the May 3rd primary.
The political fight over Ohio's congressional districts rages on in hearings contemplating who's map is in voters' best interest.
"The only reason that we are in this state is not because of the constitution and the provisions that were overwhelmingly passed by Ohio voters, it's simply because we have commissioners who do not want to follow the constitution," said Minority Leader District 24 (D) Rep. Allison Russo.
"This is not a clear path forward, and I do not agree that members of this commission have not tried to do this in good faith," said Co-Chair District 4 (R) Rep. Robert Cupp.
Wednesday, all five Republicans on the commission voted down a Democratic proposed map that would give the GOP an edge in eight of the 15 seats.
The map accepted has 10 Republican districts, two Democratic districts and three toss-up districts that lean Democratic.
"This constitutional plan is designed to create a series of incentives on both sides to make an agreement. The big incentive for the majority to make an agreement is if you don't get enough support from the minority party, your map only lasts for four years," said (R) Sen. Matt Huffman District 12.
Russo pushed back with the goal of a resolution on a bipartisan map that would last 10 years.
"So essentially what we are hearing is that commissioner Huffman is arguing that there is no need to follow any of the anti-gerrymandering provisions of the constitution, including what the court specifically stated in their decision that the plan that they overruled unduly favored the republican party over the Democratic party. That is essentially like me robbing a bank and saying that is my money," Russo said.
The approved map will likely result in at least a 10-5 GOP-favored map. The Ohio Supreme Court will decide if this map makes the cut.
Without maps, Ohioans can't vote on statehouse and congressional races on the May 3rd primary.
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