GOP Rams Through Redistricting Map, Refuses to Hold Public Hearings Around State

From Michigan Democratic Party

LANSING – House Republicans forced a gerrymandered Congressional map through committee today and refused to hold public hearings across the state on the issue.

Nearly a dozen people testified to the Committee today opposing the bill and/or urging  the Committee to slow down the process and seek public input, but the GOP Members denied their request and forced through the map.

“This map is gerrymandered to allow Republicans to pick their voters, rather than voters pick their Representatives,” Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer said. “The map shreds counties and communities, eliminates competitive districts, and reduces representation in Oakland County, the second largest county in the state.”

Brewer submitted a written testimony to the House Redistricting and Elections Committee in opposition to the bill. You can read the testimony here.

“Michigan law does not require this process to be completed until November,” added Brewer. “We need to hold hearings over the summer and let the public study these maps. Once the public takes a look at them, they’ll be able to see a Republican gerrymander which is intended solely to increase Republican control rather than give voters opportunity to choose who represents them.”

Motor City Liberal Comment: I think despite the second largest hate group in Michigan attempts to create safe districts for themselves and smaller ones for Democrats, Snyder is highly unpopular, their ideas are also unpopular and throw in their  national party is going to pick an weak presidential ticket 2012 could be a rough year for the Michigan Repugs.