GOP Disappointed Democrats Give-up on Bipartisan Committee

Balmer: Democrats decided not to work together, and instead are taking their maps and running home.  

DENVER—House Republicans expressed disappointment today after Democrats gave up on the Joint Select Committee on Redistricting, forfeiting the committee’s goal of presenting a bipartisan redistricting map.  Instead, Democrats announced they will introduce their own partisan maps that several papers across the state have called “wrong,” “not good for Colorado,” and “a cynical ploy.”  

By contrast, Republican maps have been hailed for keeping the integrity of current district boundaries, respecting communities of interest, and ensuring rural Colorado retains its voice in Washington.  

Committee co-chair, State Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, released the following statement regarding the Democrats’ decision:  

“I’m really disappointed.  Republicans on the committee asked Democrats time and time again to sit with us and draw a map in public that is fair for Coloradans.  

“After hours and hours of testimony, and thousands of calls and emails, Democrats decided that they didn’t want to work with us.  Instead, they are taking their maps and running home.”

“Republicans will continue our efforts to draw a map for Colorado that is fair, with district lines adjusted to account for population shifts.  Hopefully the House Democrat caucus will be more open to working with us to draw a fair map.” 

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