Reschke and Drazan issue statements on Democrat redistricting proposals [UPDATED]

UPDATED, 7:50 PM, 9/24/21 to include a link to an interactive redistricting map. Added comments by Governor Brown.

Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls) and House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) released statements after voting no on Democrats’ redistricting proposals. Calling them gerrymandered.

Rep. E. Werner Reschke:

“Rigged redistricting maps from Democrats harm Oregon’s democracy

The partisan legislative maps are a great injustice to Klamath County residents.

They split the Klamath Watershed into two separate districts. Moreover, district lines meander in and out with little rhyme or reason, splitting the City of Klamath Falls in half. These maps will only bring confusion and frustration to the citizens of Klamath County.

I have no doubt that these maps could have been even worse if they went to the Secretary of State. That’s why this process has failed the people.

We had an opportunity of the decade to bring balance to the political discourse in our state, to correct the over-representation from urban centers that silences the voices of all other Oregonians.

Instead, the only opportunity for Oregonians to get fair maps free of political gerrymandering is now clearly an independent redistricting commission. The people can and should overturn what Democrats have done to our state at the ballot box.”

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) released the following statement after the passage of Democrats’ redistricting proposals.

“These partisan maps are a wake-up call for Oregonians. They know Democrats had to cheat to get these maps across the floor.

Democrats in Oregon have passed rigged political maps that will guarantee super-sized majorities in the legislature and immediate control of more than 80 percent of Oregon’s congressional seats. They should be ashamed that they have gerrymandered Oregonians out of their shot at fair elections for the next decade.

We had an opportunity to put aside politics in the interest of fair representation. The actions during this special session prove this was never the Democrats’ plan.

This is by no means over. The illegal congressional map adopted today, clearly drawn for partisan benefit, will not survive legal challenge. Political gerrymandering in Oregon is illegal and drawing congressional lines to ensure 5 out of 6 seats for your party long-term is gerrymandering.

Oregonians will only get the fair maps they deserve, free of partisan influence, by supporting an independent redistricting commission in the next election. Politicians should not be drawing their own political lines. If Oregonians believe we need fair redistricting, then they should overturn what resulted from this charade of a vote at the ballot box.”

[ Click here for an interactive map of the newly voted redistricting boundaries.]

Governor Kate Brown Signs Redistricting Bills

Governor Kate Brown issued the following statement after signing the redistricting bills passed by the Oregon Legislature today:

“The right to vote is sacred. In Oregon, we know that every vote matters because every voice matters in our electoral process. I’d like to thank the Legislature for coming together, through adversity, to pass legislation for redistricting. We do not always all agree, but when we find common ground, we can work together to do what is best for Oregon.

“For the first time in forty years, Oregon is gaining a congressional seat––another delegation member to advocate for the common good of all Oregonians. After the past year and a half, during which Oregonians have faced unprecedented challenges that have urgently required federal attention and resources, I am particularly grateful that the Legislature has come together to pass today’s historic legislation.

“My office reviewed the maps contained in the bills passed by the Legislature after they were proposed this weekend. Redistricting is a process that necessarily involves compromise, and I appreciate the Legislature working to balance the various interests of all Oregonians.”

Earlier this month, Governor Brown called the Legislature into a special legislative session in order to adopt new congressional and legislative maps. The Oregon Constitution directs the Legislature to reapportion legislative districts every ten years, following the U.S. Census.

According to the Oregon Supreme Court’s recent decision in State ex rel Kotek v. Fagan and Senate Bill 259 (2021), the deadline for the Legislature to complete redistricting plans for state legislative districts and federal congressional districts is Monday, September 27, 2021.