Yesterday, on the House Floor, Representative Ruben Gallego (D) confirmed that the IRC was heavily influenced by the early and strong organization of State Democrats while engaged in efforts that would shape legislative and congressional districts for the next ten years, say House Republicans.
In a statement of opposition to a motion made by Representative Eddie Farnsworth (R), Gallego stated, “The Republicans did not do well in redistricting. That’s too bad. That happens. Get better organized next time”.
Disturbed by the obvious meaning of those comments, Representative Farnsworth stated, “It’s apparent to me that Representative Gallego is motivated by partisan politics demonstrating clearly that he does not intend to support the U.S. Constitution. He instead prefers to take cheap political shots”.
Representative Farnsworth continues, “Under Article I, section 4 of the United States Constitution, it is clearly and singularly in the purview of the legislature to establish the time, manner and place for congressional elections. I believe that the IRC does not have a legitimate authority because it would contradict the United States Constitution”.
Soon after Representative Gallego finished his comments, Minority Leader Chad Campbell ( D ) attempted to walk back his colleague’s comments and dispel what had already been revealed stating, “I can assure you, Mr. Pierce (Justin Pierce, R) and others that there was no vast conspiracy here by any stretch of the imagination. Your assumptions based on one of my colleague’s statements that Republicans are unhappy … you made the assumption that Democrats are happy about these maps. That’s not the case”.