(Statehouse) – A local lawmaker says she’s against the redistricting of Indiana’s congressional maps.
Republican State Sen. Jean Leising of Oldenburg says it’s discouraging that lawmakers are being asked to vote for a map they’ve never seen.
“I would never vote “Yes” on a bill that I did not know the contents of,” Leising said. “I have heard from hundreds of constituents on this matter in the past two months, and they are overwhelmingly opposed to mid-cycle congressional redistricting – with only six percent supporting new districts.
“Washington, D.C.-funded organizations in favor of redistricting are using extremely negative texts, videos and phone calls to try to win support for their cause,” she added. “Some have even been sent via cell phone to students in my district, including my 14-year-old grandson. These groups do not have the best interest of my rural area or the State of Indiana at heart, and their methods are completely unacceptable.”
Republicans currently hold seven of Indiana’s nine congressional seats.
“I have never supported negative campaigning, and I hope constituents will understand that we should not vote “Yes” on completely unknown changes,” Leising said. “I will be listening to my constituents and will vote “No” if there is a vote.”
Leising represents Senate District 42, which includes Decatur, Fayette, Ripley and Rush counties, and portions of Franklin, Jennings and Shelby counties.
