Act 2 for Issue 1 stalls outSFlb

The big winner on election night was the bipartisan redistricting reform package that backers say will quash gerrymandering and lead to fairer legislative lines after the next U.S. Census.

Granted, fewer people cast ballots for Issue 1 compared with the other two constitutional amendments. But the message from voters was pretty clear, with more than 71 percent saying it was time to change the map-drawing process.

Supporters echoed the underlying sentiment.

“Ohio voters spoke loud and clear that they want a redistricting process that is fair and transparent and ensures every Ohioan has their voice heard at the Statehouse,” former state Rep. Vern Sykes, D-Akron, co-chairman of one of the proponent campaign efforts, said in a released statement.

And former state Rep. Matt Huffman, R-Lima, the other co-chairman of the campaign: “This issue is proof that when you work together in a bipartisan manner, you can accomplish great things. I’m thankful for the support of so many groups on this campaign, and to the voters of this state for this overwhelming victory.”

Even House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, offered his thoughts: “With the favorable results of Issue 1, the people of Ohio have clearly expressed their support of, and belief in, a fair and open redistricting process. Like the majority of voters, I am pleased to see this issue pass because I believe the reforms included within it are the most effective way of achieving a fair and balanced system.”

Then came Wednesday.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

Rosenberger had a media availability with Statehouse reporters to talk about various issues – coming legislative efforts on medical marijuana were front and center in the discussion – and the speaker was asked whether lawmakers would pursue comparable reform for Ohio’s congressional districts.

Issue 1 covers state legislative districts. It will take a separate amendment, or perhaps an act of the Legislature, to ban congressional gerrymandering.

Seems like a no-brainer following election night. Voters sent a clear message on redistricting reform.

Rosenberger’s answer on the issue was odd.

“I think what we need to do is let the process work out,” he said. “... We’ve just proven we can do something really effective here. Now we need to see how the process is going to work. We need to allow that process to take effect and now actually get into practice so that we know that we’ve got something here that continues to work well.”

Rosenberger also said state lawmakers should discuss the issue with Ohio’s congressional delegation and wait for the new commission to meet before pursuing another ballot issue.

“There’s still a lot of unknowns, how it’s going to actually show itself,” he said. “Let’s see what happens here.”

Which prompts an obvious question: Huh?

For months, Republicans and Democrats have been vocal in their support of the bipartisan redistricting plan they placed on this month’s general election ballot.

Now, we apparently need to wait until 2022 to find out how the new process works before moving forward on a separate ballot issue that would place congressional redistricting decisions in the hands of the same commission that will tackle legislative redistricting.

Like I said, that’s an odd response, given what appears to be a clear mandate from voters to strip partisanship from the process.

Marc Kovac is The Vindicator’s Statehouse correspondent. Email him at mkovac@dixcom.com or on Twitter at OhioCapitalBlog.