Peoria Standard

Illinois House Republican leaders have provided an update on their ongoing lawsuit regarding redistricting, which they filed with the Illinois Supreme Court. The lawsuit claims that the Democratic majority in Illinois has manipulated legislative elections through gerrymandering, disadvantaging a fair process for voters in the state.

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, alongside Deputy Leader Ryan Spain and Assistant Leader Dan Ugaste, held a press conference in Springfield to discuss recent developments.

Assistant Leader Ugaste stated, "In response to the Illinois Supreme Court’s order to address the issue of timeliness, the Illinois Attorney General has declined to take a position on behalf of the State Board of Elections. This is contrary to what has happened in these situations in the past. Speaker Welch and Senate President Harmon have intervened, and their lawyers are now relying on a legal technicality to deny an untold number of voters their constitutional rights concerning their vote."

The legal technicality referred to is 'laches,' which argues that plaintiffs delayed unreasonably in filing their claim and thus cannot seek relief. The defense aims to show that Leader McCombie and five registered voters were not diligent in pursuing this lawsuit and also seeks to demonstrate prejudice affecting their ability to defend themselves.

Republicans remain hopeful as they await further legal proceedings. Notably, Welch and Harmon have enlisted prominent election lawyer Mike Kasper for defense. Kasper has been described as ‘Vader,’ the ‘prince of darkness,’ and Democrats’ ‘chief weapon against redistricting reform.’ He previously served as a top lawyer for former speaker Mike Madigan.

Deputy Leader Spain remarked, "Speaker Welch has come forward and hired Mike Madigan’s favorite henchman, Mike Kasper, to defend his overtly partisan gerrymandered legislative maps. It is time to end Democrat insiders conspiring with one another to disenfranchise the people of Illinois!"

Leader McCombie added, "The Illinois Supreme Court has a crucial opportunity to declare these maps unconstitutional and end political gerrymandering in our state. House Republicans recognize the gravity of this moment and are committed to supporting a fair and transparent process for Illinois. Meanwhile, Speaker Welch continues to recklessly defend extreme partisan tactics that undermine our democracy."

For ongoing updates about this case, visit redoremap.com.