Pennsylvania GOP Leader Defies Anti-Gerrymandering Court Order

What’s the story?

Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R) told the state supreme court on Wednesday that he was refusing its order to turn over gerrymandering data.

Why does it matter?

Last week, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court threw out the Republican-drawn congressional map, ruling that the gerrymandered districts "clearly, plainly and palpably" violate the state's constitution.

The state high court ordered the General Assembly to submit files "that contain the current boundaries of all Pennsylvania municipalities and precincts" by noon Wednesday.

But when the deadline arrived, Scarnati said that he would not turn over any of the requested data.

Lawyers for Scarnati argue that the state court is overstepping its authority, writing in a letter:

"In light of the unconstitutionality of the Court's Orders and the Court's plain intent to usurp the General Assembly's constitutionally delegated role of drafting Pennsylvania's congressional districting plan, Sen. Scarnati will not be turning over any data identified in the Court's Orders."

Following the ruling last week, Scarnati tweeted:

Today’s ruling by the State Supreme Court is a partisan action showing a distinct lack of respect for the Constitution and the legislative process. https://t.co/S0bFXuTYYj

— Senator Joe Scarnati (@senatorscarnati) January 22, 2018

What do you think?

Do you support efforts to undo partisan gerrymandering? Do you live in Pennsylvania, or one of the other states that have been subject to partisan gerrymanders? What do you think the impact will be of these court decisions in your state?

Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

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—Josh Herman

Related Reading

• Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules Congressional Map is A Partisan Gerrymander

• Federal Judges Strike Down NC Congressional District Map Over Partisan Gerrymander

(Photo Credit: JimIrwin / Creative Commons)