CHICAGO – Friday, Illinois Democrats released the Congressional District map they want for the next ten years, and it's an embarrassment, Republicans are saying – especially those that will be directly affected by its bizarre appearance and its heavy emphasis on Democrats gaining more power for a Democrat-controlled U.S. Congress.
Illinois Democrats would likely control 14 of Illinois' 17 Congressional Districts as the map is currently drawn.
“As expected, our lying Governor teamed up with state Democrats to draw a shameful, partisan gerrymander in a desperate attempt to keep Nancy Pelosi in power. This proposed map, along with this entire redistricting process, is a complete joke. It’s clear Governor Pritzker and the Democrats will stoop to any low if it means they can keep their corrupt system going," said GOP Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13)
GOP Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) is also unhappy with the map.
"When I served in the Illinois State Senate, I was proud to support a Fair Maps redistricting process because Illinoisans have made it clear that they are tired of politicians picking their voters," LaHood said in a statement. "Illinois Democrats and Governor Pritzker have shown with their proposed map that they care more about doing the bidding of Nancy Pelosi than giving Illinois voters fair representation in Washington. The proposed maps are a slap in the face to good governance everywhere. Illinois voters deserve much better than this non-transparent, corrupt process."
GOP Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) commented,“I have proudly served six terms in the U.S. House and it has been an honor to do so. Following the release of the new congressional maps for Illinois, my team and I will spend some time looking them over and reviewing all of the options, including those outside the House."
Kinzinger's comments suggest he's looking for other opportunities "outside the House," because the map was drawn to make the 16th much more Democratic, and set him up against Democrat Congresswoman Marie Newman (IL-3).
State Senator Darren Bailey and leading GOP gubernatorial candidate agreed with the Republican Congress members.
"These corrupt, politically-motivated maps were drawn to benefit politicians over working families, and Illinoisans deserve better. People are tired of being lied to and they are tired of the political elites putting their elections over working families and the success of this state. We need to use real data and we need to draw fair and independent maps," Bailey said in a statement.
"Voters should pick their elected officials and not the other way around. I hope and pray Springfield will come together and do what's right for the people of Illinois and give them fair and honest maps through a fully transparent process. Until then, I will stand up, speak out, and vote no on any map that puts politics ahead of the people of this state."
