The Kansas House voted 85-37 to override Governor Laura Kelly’s veto of the contested Ad Astra 2 Map yesterday afternoon. The Congressional Redistricting Map would move Wyandotte County Democrats to the Republican majority 2nd District and Democratic voting Lawrence into the Republican dominated big 1st District with all of western Kansas. It also places Franklin, Anderson and Miami County in the 3rd District with Johnson County.
Democrats called it disappointing, saying it shows a lack of accountability and transparency from start to finish. House Democratic Leader, Tom Sawyers, says the public could not have been clearer in their desire, through calls, emails and Town Hall Meetings, that the map be just and fair and it betrays the public trust. Lawsuits over the map are bound to happen; however, Attorney General and Republican candidate for Governor, Derek Schmidt, says the once-per-decade redistricting process is about ensuring every person’s vote counts. He says the new map does just that and they are prepared to defend it against lawsuits.
