DeMora Continues Fight for Fair, Constitutional Maps, Condemns Unfair Committee Process at First Public Redistricting Hearing

Today, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus), who serves on the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting, condemned the biased committee hearing, where the majority claimed that the people of Ohio want gerrymandering because they voted for statewide officeholders who violated the constitution. The majority attacked the Democratic proposal, despite the fact that the majority has failed to introduce any proposals to the public. 

“This committee was a complete dog and pony show and a huge waste of time and taxpayer dollars,” said Senator DeMora. “Everyone in the room, from those who testified to the people on the committee, knew that the Republicans weren’t listening to a word that was said, and that they would continue to draw an illegal, bullshit map behind closed doors, where the public will have no say. It is a complete disgrace and a mockery of the concept of democracy.”

Ahead of today’s hearing, nearly 170 written statements were submitted in addition to the oral testimony that was given, which was nearly unanimous in its support of S.B. 259.

"Republicans had many criticisms of our proposal. I look forward to if and when they introduce a map to see if it can pass any sort of constitutionality requirement. History shows they haven’t been able to do that up to this point,” DeMora added.

Ohioans from across the state showed up today during work hours with only two business days' notice to urge the legislature to pass fair, constitutional congressional maps. In addition to repeated messages of support for S.B. 259, Ohioans also expressed their desire for the legislature to do its job and pass a bipartisan map by the constitutionally required September 30 deadline.