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Republicans lose first map lawsuit

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Illinois

* The Illinois Republican Party’s lawsuit to declare the tie-breaking provision of the state Constitution as unconstitutional has been denied a hearing by the Illinois Supreme Court.

The lawsuit was essentially a tactic by the Republicans to convince the top court to delay a final vote on the remap bill until after May 31st, when legislation would require a three-fifths, bipartisan majority for passage.

But, another lawsuit is definitely in the future…

Illinois GOP spokesman John Blessing did tell us, though, that a lawsuit challenging the maps “more than likely” would come from a third-party group, not necessarily straight from the Republican Party.

“There are a lot of entities, including us, that are reviewing those maps,” Blessing said.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 15, 11 @ 2:55 pm

Comments

None of these lawsuits can be using public funds, I trust.

I recall the GOP caucuses did have approps. for mapmaking, which they said back in May had gone for lawyers.

None of these lawsuits are drawing on publicly funded work product, are they? Has anyone seen the work product from the GOP caucuses state approps?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 15, 11 @ 3:06 pm
The US Supreme Court should have the courage to follow its alleged reasoning and spirit in Bush v. Gore re: the equal protection clause and undo the horrible precedence it has set allowing gerrymandering. But since Bush v. Gore has a footnote saying it can’t be used as precedence for anything in the future, chances are they won’t. Note that if they did, while it would favor the GOP in Illinois, it would benefit the Dems elsewhere, but most of all it would benefit the principle of every citizen having an equal vote.

Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Jun 15, 11 @ 4:30 pm
The way we redsistrict in this state is crazy. I doubt the GOP would be mad if they were in control. The winner take all remap has nothing to do with democracy and everything to do with gerrymandering districts to protect incumbants and ensure the power the party in control. How can Chicago and cook co lose population and still keep all its seats.

Comment by fed up Wednesday, Jun 15, 11 @ 5:58 pm
The state gop is beyond worthless. Wasting money they don’t have on continued failure.

Comment by just sayin' Wednesday, Jun 15, 11 @ 6:08 pm
The GOP is losers, huh? Last time I checked our Democratic winners weren’t doing so well either. They still can’t do a balanced budget which is the one important thing they MUST do.

Comment by Not a Newcomer Wednesday, Jun 15, 11 @ 7:47 pm
Not A Newcomer,
Every time Just Sayin posts, it’s really nasty, sarcastic and negative about the Republicans. Just expect it. Check every post. A very hateful person is behind that nickname.

Comment by Old Milwaukee Wednesday, Jun 15, 11 @ 8:36 pm
I don’t see regular Republican voters very upset at all about the redistricting. Doesn’t really matter to the average voter when the Republicans are helping the Democrats pass the same bills, e.g., gambling, Illinois DREAM Act, electric rate increase, civil unions, etc. Republicans even helped kill concealed carry.

The politicians getting the state salaries and benefits care, but few voters do.

Comment by too obvious Wednesday, Jun 15, 11 @ 11:48 pm
I think voters care about choosing their representatives, not the other way around. This appears to be last ditch to spend money and create the appearance that the party is trying. Neither side really has clean hands on this one…

Comment by Allen Skillicorn Wednesday, Jun 15, 11 @ 11:57 pm