Ohio Redistricting Commission does little in first meeting

Audio By Carbonatix

(The Center Square) – Ohio Democrats’ objections to what they call Republican redistricting stall tactics grew louder Tuesday.

After the first meeting of the Republican majority Ohio Redistricting Committee lasted less than 30 minutes and included no testimony and no new congressional maps, Democrats believe the Grand Old Party plans to miss its Oct. 31 deadline.

“For four years, we’ve all known this day was coming,” said Commission Cochairman Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood. “We have a constitutional duty at this moment to make our best faith effort to work together and pass a congressional proposal by no later than Oct. 31 – 10 days from now. Delay after seemingly disingenuous delay, we’re watching the clock run out just as it has in the past. Ohioans have sent us all a clear, unmistakable message that we need to serve them better. I hope we can all heed that call, do our constitutional duty, and work together before the end of the month.”

The commission has until the end of the month to pass maps with four votes, including both Democrats on the commission.

“I believe the adoption of a plan by this commission is certainly possible, and this process will determine whether or not it becomes probable,” said Commission Cochairman Brian Stewart, R-Ashville. "Either way, I want the public, our colleagues in state government, and our colleagues in Congress to know that we enter this process with open minds and willingness to try to find common ground."

If the commission fails to reach a bipartisan agreement, the Republican majority General Assembly can pass new maps with a simple majority and without bipartisan support.

That could change Ohio’s congressional makeup of 10 Republicans and five Democrats to a 13-2 GOP majority, despite constitutional requirements that say no plan can favor or disfavor one political party and districts must resemble voting percentages from the last 10 years in statewide and federal elections.

In the last 10 years, Ohioans have voted 54% for Republicans in federal elections. Based on the state constitution, congressional districts should be split 8-7 in favor of the GOP.

The commission Tuesday administered the oath of office to members, heard statements from both Stewart and Antonio, heard a proposal of rules from Democrats and heard Democrats’ proposed maps but failed to vote on them.

Stewart said there are discussions about future meetings, but no other meetings have been formally announced.

“The stakes are really high right now,” Antonio said. "Ohio has the potential to determine whether our Congress bows to the whims of an authoritarian president, or keeps tyrants in check, and provides the checks and balances that Ohioans expect and deserve."