Thursday, February 23, 2012
3:07 PM
Kennedy testifies he wasn't consulted on redistricting maps
GAB Director Kevin Kennedy testified that while his agency must implement election laws, he was not consulted on the redistricting law by the GOP leadership.
Kennedy also testified that he did not know when the Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren firm was hired to represent the GAB or who made the decision to hire the firm. The same firm served as consultants to the state Senate and Assembly "in anticipation of litigation," according to evidence introduced as part of his testimony.
Under questioning by Dan Kelly for the defense, Kennedy acknowledged that the hiring decision was up to the attorney general's office with the consent of the governor, both Republicans.
Under questioning by Doug Poland, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, he acknowledged that the upcoming recall elections of four Republican senators would be conducted under the old redistricting lines, not the new plan, if the recall petitions are certified. There is a bill pending that would require the new boundary lines to be used in the recall, he said. Kelly said the defense was willing to stipulate that the old boundaries would be used in the recall elections. Judge J.P. Stadtmueller said the agreement should be put in writing.
Kennedy testified that there are conflicts between ward lines established at the county level and the state redistricting plan. He said he did know if all those had been resolved.
Resolution of that is important because candidates for the fall elections for the Assembly and the Senate can take out nomination papers on April and must file the nomination signatures by June 1.
-- By Marie Rohde
Labels: Redistricting trial
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