(608-266-7671), Representative Brostoff
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: February 9, 2016 CONTACT: Representative Bowen (608-266-7671), Representative Brostoff (608-266-0650), Representative Considine (608-266-7746), Representative Meyers (608-266-7690), Representative Spreitzer (608-266-1192), Representative Stuck (608-266-3070), Representative Subeck (608-266-7521) Republicans Put their own Political Ambition Ahead of Fair Elections, Refuse to Fix Rigged System Assembly Republicans overwhelmingly vote down motion to consider non-partisan redistricting reform Madison – Today, Assembly Democrats attempted to bring Assembly Bill 328 to the floor of the State Assembly for discussion and a vote. AB 328, introduced by the Assembly Democratic Freshman Caucus, would take the responsibility for redistricting out of the hands of partisan politicians and assign the task of drawing new maps to the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau. “Elected officials shouldn’t choose their voters, voters should choose their elected officials,” said Representative Beth Meyers (D – Bayfield). “It’s time for Wisconsin to get back to fair elections. I am proud to stand with my fellow freshman Democrats on this issue.” Wisconsin is among the most gerrymandered states in the nation, leaving voters with few choices for who represents them. In the 2014 election, 90 percent of all legislative candidates in Wisconsin won by margins greater than 10%. This is in contrast to 2010, the last election before maps were redrawn, when more than twice as many races were decided within a 10 point margin. In 2012, Democrats received more votes than Republicans, yet Republicans grew their majorities in the State Legislature and won more seats than Democrats in Congress. “Competitive elections and choice of representation are at the core of our democratic process,” said Representative David Bowen (D – Milwaukee). “But Wisconsin’s gerrymandered maps, drawn by the majority party to assure their own reelection, have left voters with fewer choices.” “Wisconsin’s voting maps are some of the most gerrymandered in history,” said Representative Mark Spreitzer (D – Beloit). “This divides communities, discourages competition, and creates scenarios like we saw in 2012 when Democrats earned more votes statewide, yet Republicans won significantly more seats in the State Legislature and in Congress.” AB 328 was introduced in September, 2015, and referred to the Committee on Campaigns and Elections. The committee chair, Representative Kathleen Bernier (R – Chippewa Falls), has refused to schedule a public hearing on the bill despite past promises she made to the board of the non-partisan organization, Common Cause, to hold such a hearing on redistricting reform. Rep. Bernier’s statements promising a hearing were made in a meeting recorded by Wisconsin Eye in February, 2013. “It is disappointing that the Chair of the Campaigns and Elections Committee refuses to even hold a public hearing on our bill,” said Representative Dave Considine (D – Baraboo). “Rep. Bernier indicated in September that she may consider holding a hearing after the fall floor period. Fall has come and gone, but no hearing has been scheduled. We need to work together to make non-partisan redistricting a reality, not stifle its progress.” “Our constituents want a fair and competitive election system, in which they can choose their representatives,” said Representative Jonathan Brostoff (D – Milwaukee). “Unfortunately, Republicans refuse to even hold a hearing at which they can make their voices heard.” Over the past four years, nearly every newspaper in the state has editorialized in support of redistricting reform including the Appleton Post-Crescent, Wisconsin State Journal, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Kenosha News, Green Bay Press Gazette, Beloit Daily News, La Crosse Tribune, and many others. They have all recognized that the current system, of partisan legislators drawing their own maps is flawed and needs to be fixed. “Clearly the public supports redistricting reform - it is not every day that all major newspapers in Wisconsin editorialize or even agree on a single issue,” stated Representative Amanda Stuck (D- Appleton). “Non-partisan redistricting would result in a fairer process and fairer elections across the state. However, despite broad support, Republicans refuse to even consider or hear what would clearly be a win for our constituents and all of the citizens across the State of Wisconsin.” The most recent redistricting process cost taxpayers more than $2 million in 2012 alone, primarily in legal fees, and the maps remain the subject of ongoing litigation. Republicans hired outside attorneys to draw the maps, and the process has resulted in multiple lengthy court challenges. AB 328 would transfer the responsibility of redistricting to the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau, not only making the process more fair, but also alleviating the need for outside attorneys to draw the maps and likely avoiding expensive lawsuits. Today’s vote to reject consideration of AB 328 comes near the close of a legislative session rife with Republican attacks on open, fair, and transparent government. Republicans have passed legislation during this session that dismantles Wisconsin’s election and ethics watchdog; ushers in more corporate and billionaire special interest spending on elections without any disclosure to ensure the public’s right to know who is trying to influence their votes; and makes it harder to investigate crimes of political corruption. Republicans also attempted to make sweeping changes to open records laws that would shield most legislative documents and communications from public view, a move thwarted only by intense public and media pressure. “During a legislative session in which Republicans have passed bill after bill to protect their own jobs and their own political ambitions, today’s overwhelming vote against considering non-partisan redistricting reform comes as no surprise,” said Representative Lisa Subeck (D – Madison). “Democrats remain committed to the people we have been elected to represent, even as Republicans put their own interests ahead of their constituents.” ### .