Colorado Republicans will support an appeal of Colorado’s Congressional redistricting

November 16, 2011

CO GOP Chairman’s Statement
on Appealing the
Congressional Redistricting Map

GREENWOOD VILLAGE - In connection with the decision to appeal Colorado’s Congressional redistricting plan recently adopted by the Denver District Court , Ryan Call, the Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party issued the following statement:

“After thoughtful consideration and significant input from elected officials and Republican leaders from around the state, Colorado Republicans will support an appeal of Colorado’s Congressional redistricting plan approved by the Denver District Court late last week.”

“Colorado Republicans respectfully considered the detailed ruling by Judge Robert Hyatt. However, we believe the maps and initial decision by the Denver District Court disregarded Colorado’s traditional communities of interest, and placed undue reliance on non-constitutional criteria, including so-called ‘competitiveness’ and other political factors, that are not enumerated in state law.”

“Colorado Republicans believe that when a court must draw a map in the place of the state legislature, the court should more closely follow the specific criteria described in our State Constitution, state statutes and controlling case law, including the preservation of existing communities of interest, minimal disruption of existing district boundaries, and the need to respect county and city boundaries.”

“Colorado Republicans look forward to the additional guidance on the appropriate standards for a court-drawn Congressional district plan from the State Supreme Court that an appeal will provide, and are prepared to work hard to win the trust and confidence of the voters regardless of the ultimate Congressional district boundaries.”

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