Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D), is reiterating her calls for a Non-Partisan Commission on Redistricting, after the Kansas Supreme Court upheld a GOP-drawn Congressional Map that split Racially-Diverse Wyandotte County in Half.
“While the outcome of today’s Supreme Court decision is disappointing, I respect the Court’s ruling,” Kelly said in a statement Wednesday.
“This decision should not discourage Kansans from making their voices heard in the electoral process. I also call on legislative leaders from both parties to work together to ensure that future redistricting processes are transparent and empower Kansans to hold their elected leaders accountable.”
The Decision released Wednesday, means Wyandotte County, a Democratic Stronghold, will be Split between Two Districts, with the Northern half almost certainly represented by a Republican, and the South included in a reshaped 3rd District, that Incumbent Rep. Sharice Davids (D), will struggle to hold.
Lawrence, a left-leaning College town, will be combined with Western Kansas, in the deep-red 1st District.
Democrats had challenged the Map, arguing it diluted the Vote of Racial Minorities in Wyandotte County and constituted a Political Gerrymander, which is decided by the Highest Court in a State. If they used a Racial Gerrymander Case, it could then go to the Supreme Court.
Kelly’s carefully worded statement Contrasts sharply with other Democrats who slammed the Court and the Map.
State Sen. David Haley (D-4th District, Kansas City), called the Decision Partisan and Evidence of “unawareness to the rule of law” on the Court.
House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer (D-95th District, Wichita), immediately called for Legislative action.
“The decision regarding Congressional maps opens a pandora’s box for even worse political gerrymandering in the future,” Sawyer said in a statement. “This decision makes clear it’s time for an amendment that clarifies gerrymandering is unconstitutional and prohibited in the state.”
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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