Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (Photo: AP)
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP/WBOC)- Maryland's Republican Gov. Larry Hogan says he'll keep pushing for redistricting reform in the state, but Democrats say a national solution for reform is needed, not a piecemeal approach on a state-by-state basis.
The Supreme Court on Thursday reversed the outcome of federal court rulings in Maryland and North Carolina, where courts had ordered new congressional district maps to be drawn due to partisan gerrymandering. That's when political parties in control draw districts that favor them.
Hogan said the court's ruling is "terribly disappointing to all who believe in fair elections. I pledge to vigorously continue this fight, both in Maryland and across our nation. Gerrymandering is wrong, and both parties are guilty. It stifles real political debate, contributes to our bitter partisan polarization, and deprives citizens of meaningful choices.
"The voters should pick their representatives, not the other way around," Hogan continued. "I will do everything in my power to restore free and fair elections for the people."
Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller said the high court's decision "only strengthens the need for Congress and the President to work together to create a set of rules across the country."
And Maryland Attorney General said, "This is a sad day for our democracy. We urged the Supreme Court to adopt a nationwide standard that would prevent extreme partisan gerrymandering. The decision today instead prevents voters everywhere from challenging in federal court any redistricting map as excessively partisan.
“The attention now turns to Congress, which has the power to outlaw partisan gerrymandering of Congressional districts.”
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