Illinois Republican Party spokesman Steven Yaffe lashed out at House Speaker and Democratic Party Chairman Mike Madigan (D-Dist. 22) this week.
“Illinoisans want the opportunity come November to vote to stop entrenched Springfield politicians from drawing legislative districts," Yaffe said. "The public overwhelmingly realizes that it’s wrong and antithetical to democracy for politicians to pick their voters. Mike Madigan, the living embodiment of entrenched power, does not care about democracy or doing the right thing. He is sponsoring the lawsuit to get the Independent Map Amendment thrown off the November ballot because he wants control over who you can even cast your vote for. He has no shame.”
| Contributed photo
The Independent Map Amendment faces a court challenge by Democratic Party attorney Michael Kasper next week in Cook County Circuit Court. The challenge revolves around the constitutionality of the amendment.
The Independent Map Amendment will implement an independent commission, which can evaluate and redraw the district maps. Proponents said redrawing the maps to protect the integrity of communities will encourage challenges to incumbents and give voters a greater choice in candidates.
In the upcoming November election, only 40 percent of the seats up for reelection are contested. Sixty percent of the incumbents will remain in office, unchallenged. The Independent Map Amendment is intended to bring change to the Illinois election process – if it survives the court challenge next week.
Alerts Sign-up