Chicago, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – People who look at congressional maps might call Illinois the poster child for how NOT to draw up a fair map.
Last week Governor JB Pritzker tried to laugh off CBS’s Stephen Colbert’s criticism. But Sunday it was NBC’s Meet the Press, moderated by Kristin Welker, and she saw nothing funny about it.
“Every major group that grades the fairness of Congressional maps gives your state an F. How do you preserve democracy if you’re using the same tactics that you’ve criticized Texas Republicans for?” asked Welker.
“What they’re talking about is a distraction,” said Pritzker. “The reality is that the violation of people’s voting rights is what Texas is attempting to do. That’s what’s wrong with their efforts right now, and the fact that the President of the United States knows it, and, nevertheless, is asking them to do it.”
Illinois has been hosting state Democratic lawmakers from Texas – trying to prevent mid-decade redistricting.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has described Illinois’ gerrymandered maps as “a joke” where “they couldn’t even squeeze out another Republican. Pritzker’s response?
“Governor Abbott is the joke,” said Pritzker. “He’s the one who is attempting mid-decade here, at a time when, frankly, all of us are concerned about the future of democracy, he’s helping whittle it away and licking the boots of his leader, Donald Trump. Here in Illinois, we followed the law.”
While on “Meet the Press,” Pritzker said he would not rule out a run for President in 2028.
“I’m focused on running for reelection as Governor of the State of Illinois,” said Pritzker. “Everything that I do, really, is focused on lifting up the people of my state.”
“But you don’t rule it out, Governor? Yes, or no?” asked Welker.
“I can’t rule anything out,” said Pritzker. “What I can rule in is that no matter what decisions I make, and I mean in particular about what I do here in the State of Illinois, is about the people of Illinois. Any future decisions of mine will always be guided by that.”
