Michigan Republicans are planning their next move after a federal judge refused their request to press the “pause” button on the state’s new redistricting law. It creates an independent commission to draw legislative and congressional districts. That would take the job away from the Legislature.
The amendment also limits who can serve on the commission. Tony Zammit of the Michigan Republican Party says the rules on who can serve are too restrictive.
“We do think there were some serious violations of the U.S. Constitution in this case, and so we are definitely looking at an appeal, he said.”
The challenge says the law violates the First and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
The ban includes lobbyists, current and former lawmakers and their spouses.
“With the timing of the decision, we’re just trying to research what our various options are going to be moving forward, and we hope to have a better idea coming next week,” Zammit said.
The amendment was approved overwhelmingly by voters last fall.
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