WASHINGTON–Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed the new congressional remap for the state, designed to heavily favor the election of Democrats; Republicans vowed to file a federal lawsuit to get a court to draw the lines.
Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney has the story here.
Statement of Republican U.S. House Members from Illinois on Gov. Quinn Signing into Law the Democrats’ Congressional Redistricting Map…..
“We are disappointed that Governor Quinn chose to sign into law this flawed map, thereby proving that his actions do not match his rhetoric. Despite his expressed desire for “openness and fairness,” Governor Quinn instead rewarded his Democrat allies by approving this highly partisan map that tears apart communities and disrespects the will of Illinois voters as expressed in last fall’s election.
“Governor Quinn said that a fair redistricting process required hearings. Yet the map was unveiled on a Friday and passed the following Monday, with no hearings. Governor Quinn said that the way in which district lines are drawn contributes to the success of our democracy. Yet the map he approved seeks to reverse the results of a democratic election. Governor Quinn advocated for a fair and open process. Instead, he has guaranteed an unfair and closed one.
“This map will be challenged in court, and we do not expect to comment further on a matter that now will be the subject of litigation. As we have said before, we do not believe this map will stand.”
Rep. Judy Biggert (Il-13) Rep. Peter Roskam (Il-6)
Rep. Robert Dold (Il-10) Rep. Bobby Schilling (Il-17)
Rep. Randy Hultgren (Il-14) Rep. Aaron Schock (Il-18)
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Il-11) Rep. John Shimkus (Il-19)
Rep. Don Manzullo (Il-16) Rep. Joe Walsh (Il-8)
The new Democratic drawn map is designed to pit Republicans against each other. Rep. Tim Johnson (R-Ill.) is the only GOP Illinois congressman who did not sign the letter; he gave an interview predicting the lawsuit would fail.
