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* Press release…
The non-partisan coalition for Illinois legislative maps to be drawn by an independent commission applauded President Obama’s support of redistricting reform across the nation, and urged the President to support the reform efforts in his home state.
“The President’s words in the State of the Union Address – ‘We have to end the practice of drawing our congressional districts so that politicians can pick their voters, and not the other way around.’ – hold true for redistricting of the Illinois General Assembly where he once served,” said Dennis FitzSimons, Chair of Independent Maps.
“The Independent Map Amendment will end the practice that now allows politicians to pick their voters, and not the other way around,” FitzSimons said. “We are heartened by President Obama’s commitment to travel the country to advocate redistricting reform, and we urge him to bring that campaign to Illinois where reform is so badly needed.”
In his speech, President Obama also stressed that changes in the political process “will only happen when the American people demand it.” The full text of the State of the Union Address is available on the White House website here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/01/12/remarks-president-barack-obama-–-prepared-delivery-state-union-address
“Voters in Illinois are demanding change in the way the Illinois General Assembly is elected,” said Dave Mellet, Campaign Manager of Independent Maps. “Our coalition is diverse and includes many who have supported his past campaigns, as well as some opponents. We don’t agree on all policy issues, but we stand together for reform of the system, for elections to be fair, for votes to count and for voices to be heard.”
* From the address…
But that means if we want a better politics — and I’m addressing the American people now — if we want a better politics, it’s not enough just to change a congressman or change a senator or even change a President. We have to change the system to reflect our better selves. I think we’ve got to end the practice of drawing our congressional districts so that politicians can pick their voters, and not the other way around. (Applause.) Let a bipartisan group do it. (Applause.)
He was talking about congressional reapportionment, but I don’t blame them for using it to their own advantage.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 3:53 pm
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I appreciate the President mentioning this last night. I don’t care what party you belong to, everyone should agree that it’s gerrymandering. Once these guys get in it is difficult to remove them. Because of that they don’t feel that they will be held accountable by their constituents. It is one of the reasons why Illinois is in the shape they are in right now. it’s one reason why we have voter apathy and low turnouts.
Comment by The Dude Abides Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 3:59 pm
People do your own home work.Stay in your own lane.Why not us comom sense
Comment by anon Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 4:03 pm
This is how we got the BO state senate seat to come all the way up to the north side so he could raise money on east LSD. what a joke compact and contunuious (sp).
Comment by scott aster Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 4:03 pm
bipartisan not nonpartisan
my feeling is that where there is $$’s at stake, there is no such thing as nonpartisan
Comment by morgan Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 4:06 pm
It will surely help the 1%ers achieve their goals more rapidly. No one thinks this utterance will mean much.
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 5:21 pm
Wasn’t the 2nd Amendment crowd supposed to solve this with their weapons? Gerrymandering is the biggest single threat to our democracy and liberty. Go get um!
Comment by Qui Tam Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 5:22 pm
-Scott aster- nailed it already.
Shameless.
Comment by Shoe Searer Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 5:29 pm
It has to be nationwide or it’s giving Republicans an advantage they don’t deserve.
Comment by JackD Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 7:42 pm
**It is one of the reasons why Illinois is in the shape they are in right now. it’s one reason why we have voter apathy and low turnouts.**
So what’s the excuse for voter apathy and low turnouts in states that have fair maps processes?
Comment by AlabamaShake Wednesday, Jan 13, 16 @ 9:23 pm
Rich made a comment once that redistricting in IL wouid not change much so MJM should give that one up. Is this correct?
But here’s my deal: How about we pass redistricting reform to take effect only if it also takes place in Texas. Especially on the U.S. Congressional level, its unilateral disarmament for IL to play fair when (correct me if I am wrong on this) a majority of voters in congressional races nationwide vote Dem and yet we have a Republican majority in Congress. And Californian has already had reform. That does not help.
Comment by History Prof Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 7:29 am
An “Independent Commission” composed of whom, exactly? How long are the terms of these people? Sounds like unelected government, which is simply neo-medievalism.
The tollways were built when my grandfather was alive, and they were supposed to be become freeways eventually. The Toll Highway Authority Board is unelected and the Tollway is a self-funding bureaucracy no longer under the effective control of the elected government.
Comment by Payback Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:09 am
Obama’s statement about maps that are fair is going to push Madigan over the top. His Irish temper must be boiling.
Comment by Mama Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:51 am
The key to remapping is, “Let a bipartisan group do it.”, not an independent company who may not be independent at all when it comes to drawing the congressional maps.
Comment by Mama Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:00 am
Thanks to the so called Tea Party, the larger problem is there is no such thing are “bipartisan” anyone.
Comment by Mama Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:03 am
Oops.. My above post should say “any more” not anyone. Sorry..
Comment by Mama Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:04 am