As Republicans who run the Legislature rush to redraw maps of legislative districts, a GOP freshman in the Assembly is trying to tweak leaders' plans so he is not drawn into a colleague's district.MJS
Rep. André Jacque (R-Bellevue) is asking Senate Republicans to change the maps so he is not pulled into the district of Rep. John Klenke (R-Green Bay), who like Jacque was elected to the Assembly for the first time in November. In an email to Senate Republicans sent Monday, Jacque called his proposal an improvement over the one drawn by legislative leaders.
Jacque's proposal would change the maps for him, Klenke and Rep. Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay). Details of his proposal have not yet been released, but it has little traction in the Senate.
"I ask for your consideration of this amendment in advance of caucus deliberations (Tuesday) and Wednesday, and greatly appreciate the expressions of support that I have received as discussions of this subject have progressed," Jacque said in his email.
Jacque, Klenke and Bies did not immediately return calls Tuesday morning.
Leaders are hoping to avoid changes to the proposed maps as they head into votes today in the Senate and Wednesday in the Assembly. If they allow changes to some of the district maps, other rank-and-file members would likely seek changes. Eleven pairs of lawmakers have been drawn into the same districts.
"I think everybody would find something with their district they would like to change," said Sen. Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee). Zipperer is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which approved the maps last week and forwarded them to the Senate.
"I'm not supporting making that change," Zipperer said. "The map isn't drawn for one individual person or one individual representative."
Interesting that a 100% pro-life freshman legislator - already responsible for the resolution commending pregnancy help centers and a proposed legislation banning UW from doing fetal body parts research - would be redistricted.... Oh, and he is rumored to also be considering introducing Personhood in Wisconsin... hmmmmm