Remap shenanigans occur elsewhere, too

Last year, I heard that Illinois Republicans were upset over the redistricting map the Democratic legislature and Gov. Pat Quinn accepted because it favored Democrats. Here in Minnesota, the Republican legislature proposed a map that protected vulnerable Republican freshmen and pushed targeted Democratic legislators in tougher districts or against each other. Thankfully, Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed the legislation and the court system came out with more equitable maps.

However, the Republican majorities in Wisconsin, Utah, Ohio and Texas all now have maps that target Democratic legislators and gerrymander Democratic voters while protecting Republican legislators. So if you hear from any Republican complaining about the new Illinois map this election season, I suggest remembering what Republicans were doing in other states.

Will Labovitch

South Saint Paul, Minn.