Democratic legislative leaders from around the state issue statements on Court striking down GOP gerrymandered districts.

MADISON - A panel of three federal judges Monday struck down state house district maps drawn in 2011 by Wisconsin's Republican controlled legislature, finding the resulting districts so blatantly partisan that they denied Democrats a fair shot at electing candidates of their choosing.

Since taking control of the Legislature in 2011 the Republicans have done everything in their power to tilt elections in their favor including passing extreme voter suppression measures such as Voter ID, the elimination of early voting and gerrymandering legislative districts to give them an unfair advantage at the polls.

"In today’s ruling, the Court’s affirmed what many of us have been saying all along, that the Republicans gerrymandered legislative districts to protect their legislative majorities and to solidify their power in the state capitol for generations," said Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) "all in violation of the Constitution".

The people of Wisconsin, regardless of which political party they support, deserve fair and honest elections and for their votes to count. To that end it is now incumbent upon the Court to throw out the current maps and issue a remedy that not only results in new, fair districts but also prevents any partisan efforts to commit similar gerrymandering in the future.

"The Legislature should make passage of non-partisan redistricting reform its first act of the 2017 Legislative Session,” said Hansen.

Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) said on the ruling “Voters should be able to choose their representatives, not the other way around. Today’s ruling is a victory for democracy and the people of Wisconsin."

"The districts that were drawn by Republicans have greatly disenfranchised voters in Wisconsin, and it is time that we fix the maps and ensure that every vote truly counts in Wisconsin," said Rep. Dana Wachs (D-Eau Claire), ranking Democrat on the Assembly Committee on Judiciary. "I commend the judges for the meticulous work that went into this decision and I look forward to a remedy that benefits not one particular party or special interest but the voters of the State of Wisconsin."

"We've known for years that Republican politicians have abused their power to rig Wisconsin elections in their favor," adds Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). "From disenfranchising voters, limiting polling places, restricting voting hours and drawing unconstitutional legislative districts, Republican politicians have waged an unprecedented attack on our democratic values. Every voter deserves to have their voice heard and I am relieved that our judicial system is helping to hold Republicans accountable for their unconstitutional partisan power grabs."

“Today’s court ruling recognizes the Republican abuse of power as going too far in shutting out our neighbors' voices in elections," concludes Senator Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee). “Attempts to suppress the public’s voice by politically gerrymandering districts in order to weaken the voting power of targeted groups is a betrayal of our fundamental freedoms and values."

Walker and state Republicans have shown themselves ready to do anything to hold onto power. It is time to move forward with an unbiased system of redistricting to ensure the voices of all our neighbors can be heard.

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Jay Wadd contributed to this story.

Northwestern Wisconsin Congressman plans to operate under the assumption that Trump meant what he said. While we should show neighbors the kindness and support that are the trademarks of our way of life, change starts in our local communities.

LA CROSSE, WI - The results of last Tuesday’s election left many Wisconsinites feeling scared and uneasy about what the future holds for their lives and the lives of their loved ones. I want everyone to know that they are not alone.

I plan to operate under the assumption that, until proven otherwise, the statements Donald Trump made during the campaign are exactly what he plans to do as President, and I am more dedicated than ever to standing up and fighting to protect Wisconsin and America’s most vulnerable. I will lead my Democratic colleagues in acting as a check against Mr. Trump enacting any of his darker impulses.

While things seem scary and uncertain on a national level I encourage all Wisconsinites, now more than ever, to show their neighbors the kindness and support that are the trademarks of our way of life. Change starts in our local communities.

Anyone looking for ways to help can volunteer their time for causes that help create positive change. I for one plan to continue to look for opportunities to expand my “Kind Communities” volunteer efforts to reach more projects that need help in Wisconsin. Together we can also provide safe spaces for women, communities of color, Muslims, and LGBT individuals to feel accepted.

At a time when so much feels uncertain, you are not alone. Together we will keep up the good fight and ensure that our Wisconsin way of life endures.

Rep. Ron Kind
Wisconsin 3rd District

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Ronald James "Ron" Kind (born March 16, 1963) is an American lawyer from La Crosse, Wisconsin. Since 1997 he has served as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district. He is a member of the Democratic Party. His district is located in the western portion of the state and is anchored by La Crosse, Eau Claire, Platteville, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids and River Falls.

Group has record membership, condemns Wisconsin, National Anti-LGBTQ+ actions.