December 12, 2223
No. 90 PDF the Matter of Anthony S. Hoffmann v. New York State Independent Redistricting Commission
https://www.nycourts.gov/ctapps/Decisions/2023/Dec23/90opn23-Decision.pdf
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2023
Contact: Hayley Hill / (240) 409-2737
Follow Assemblyman Tague on Facebook and Twitter
TAGUE: DEMOCRATS NEED TO CHEAT THEIR WAY INTO OFFICE
A statement from Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C-Schoharie) on the State Court of Appeals decision to allow for the redistricting of New York’s congressional districts.
“The Democrats can feel the pendulum swinging to the right, and they are scared. People are tired of the radical leftist agenda, they see the damage it is causing and want change. Instead of listening to the people, they are going to work against them by just cheating their way into office. It is sad to see, and my Republican colleagues and I will continue to challenge this ruling until the people’s voices are heard.”
Assemblyman Chris Tague represents the 102nd Assembly District, which includes Greene and Schoharie counties, and parts of Albany, Columbia, Otsego, Delaware, and Ulster counties.
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News from Common Cause of New York
For more information contact: Becky Stern, 516 581 5707, becky@pythiapublic.com
Common Cause/NY On Redistricting Decision: "New York's Redistricting Process is Fundamentally Broken"
NEW YORK, NY (12/12/2023) (readMedia)-- Today, the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Democrats, causing New York's Congressional maps to be redrawn yet again. In response, Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY put out the following statement:
"New York's redistricting process is fundamentally broken, and today's court decision striking down the state's current congressional map does little to fix this process long-term. The only way to prevent future court battles from deciding our representatives is for the Legislature to adopt a permanent fix to redistricting that centers people over politicians. That means lawmakers must prioritize passing a constitutional amendment that creates a truly independent, citizen-led redistricting commission that puts the power in the hands of New Yorkers – not elected officials."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 12, 2023
Statement from Ken Jenkins, Chair of the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission regarding today’s decision from the Court of Appeals:
“We are pleased with the Court of Appeals’ decision and look forward to getting back to work with our colleagues as soon as possible to ensure that New York’s voters receive the benefit of the historic redistricting reforms they voted for in 2014.”
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For Release: Tuesday, December 12th, 2023
Contact: Katy Delgado (914) 960-6050
STATEMENT FROM SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER ROB ORTT
On Court of Appeals Decision in Redistricting Case
Today’s decision by the Court of Appeals is disappointing to all New Yorkers who voted resoundingly to reject Democrats' blatant attempts to gerrymander districts in their favor.
Instead of respecting the will of the voters and the initial ruling by the Court of Appeals, Democrats doubled down and stacked the Court, weaponizing our judicial system in an effort to get the decision they wanted.
This decision diminishes the voice of millions of New Yorkers who demanded fairness, transparency, and accountability in the redistricting process and marks the beginning of an era of partisan decision-making in New York’s highest court.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
December 12, 2023
New York Court of Appeals Redistricting Decision Blatantly Political: New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“The New York State Conservative Party profoundly disagrees with today’s Court of Appeals decision, which was wrongly decided based on process rather than merit. Under New York State’s Constitution, redistricting is only permitted once per decade, and Governor Hochul’s liberal-dominated court should know that.
“The Court has reopened a partisan can of worms in New York. It should know that any new attempt at Democratic-party gerrymandering will be met with additional legal challenges.
“Even New York good government groups, which typically skew liberal, understand that what we just witnessed in New York is Tammany Hall politics at its worst. This decision is a stain on New York’s political integrity. It is a disgrace to all who believe in fair district lines and competitive elections.”
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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Press Contact: Kim Corona, kcorona@nyic.org, 347-832-7588
*Press Statement*
Immigrant Advocates Applaud Court’s Decision to Redraw Congressional Map, Uplifts Immigrant Communities
New York, NY—Today, New York’s Court of Appeals ruled in favor of redrawing the state’s Congressional district maps for the 2024 election. Earlier this Fall, the Court of Appeals put a stay on a lower court ruling that New York’s Congressional districts are unconstitutional, and should be redrawn by the New York Independent Redistricting Commission. The current congressional maps played a key role in Republicans flipping critical House seats, and taking control of Congress, in last year’s general election. The state’s redistricting commission has until February 28th to submit a new congressional map.
Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:
“We applaud the Court’s decision to allow the New York Independent Redistricting Commission to redraw the state’s congressional maps, fostering a more fair and equitable redistricting process that will accurately reflect the diversity of our communities. This outcome will provide immigrant New Yorkers with the opportunity to have their voices and concerns heard, creating a system where their input is a fundamental part of the decision-making process. By ensuring a more inclusive redistricting process, New Yorkers will have an opportunity to elect candidates who actually align with the state’s core values – and actively uplift immigrant communities.”
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The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy & advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York. The NYIC serves one of the largest and most diverse newcomer populations in the United States. The multi-racial and multi-sector NYIC membership base includes grassroots and nonprofit community organizations, religious and academic institutions, labor unions, as well as legal and socioeconomic justice organizations. The NYIC not only establishes a forum for immigrant groups to voice their concerns, but also provides a platform for collective action to drive positive social change. Since its founding in 1987, the NYIC has evolved into a powerful voice of advocacy by spearheading innovative policies, promoting and protecting the rights of immigrant communities, improving newcomer access to services, developing leadership and capacity, expanding civic participation, and mobilizing member groups to respond to the fluctuating needs of immigrant communities.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 12th, 2023
Joint Statement from House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and NYGOP Chair Ed Cox on Today's Court Decision
Washington D.C. — House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following joint statement in response to the New York State Court of Appeals’ decision in Hoffman v. New York State Independent Redistricting Commission:
“The Court’s decision today is plainly wrong on the Constitution and the law. In their relentless pursuit of power at all costs, corrupt Democrats in Albany and Washington have politicized the Court of Appeals. Its once esteemed reputation is in tatters.
This outcome was preordained by Democrats' unjustified opposition to Justice Hector LaSalle and the suspicious recusal of Judge Caitlin Halligan.
The decision today opens the door for Democrats to rig our Congressional district lines so that elections are decided not by the voters, but by politicians in a back room.
New York Republicans will not give up the fight against gerrymandering and for free and fair elections. The people of New York deserve better than this.”
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For Immediate Release: 12/12/2023
GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL AND ATTORNEY GENERAL LETITIA JAMES
“Today's redistricting decision will ensure all New Yorkers are fairly and equitably represented by elected officials. As the Court of Appeals reaffirmed today, district lines should be drawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission. We will continue our efforts to protect voting rights for all New Yorkers.”
In April, Governor Hochul and Attorney General James submitted an amicus brief in support of efforts to redraw New York’s Congressional district lines rather than leaving the lines drawn by a court-appointed special master in place between now and the 2030 census. In their amicus brief, Governor Hochul and Attorney General James noted that the State Constitution is clear that the State Legislature must have the opportunity to remedy electoral maps found to be invalid by a court. They also noted that since the problem that led the Court of Appeals to approve the involvement of a special master — the short time to impose new electoral maps, with only months to go before the 2022 primary elections — no longer exists, the electoral maps drawn by the special master should not be used for the remainder of the decade. The decision by the Court of Appeals means that new Congressional maps will be drawn and submitted to the Legislature for review.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nathaniel Soule│nate.soule@mail.house.gov│(914)-255-4642
CONGRESSMAN LAWLER SLAMS COURT OF APPEALS DECISION TO LET ALBANY DEMOCRATS RIG CONGRESSIONAL MAPS
Pearl River, NY, 12/12/2023… Congressman Mike Lawler released the following statement after the Court of Appeals decision that overturned New York’s fair Congressional maps.
“This decision by the Court of Appeals is corrupt Albany politics at its worst,” said Congressman Lawler. “Kathy Hochul, Hakeem Jeffries, and Albany and Washington Democrats stacked the court with a handpicked judge to deliver the decision they needed to rig New York’s Congressional maps.”
“Let me be clear - stacking the court to influence its decision is a direct threat to democratic norms in New York,” continued Congressman Lawler. “To speak plainly, Kathy Hochul and Hakeem Jeffries should be ashamed of themselves for putting politics above all other considerations.”
“This politically motivated decision is just the beginning of this process, not the end,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “As Albany and Washington Democrats seek to gerrymander the congressional lines in the coming weeks, there will undoubtedly be further legal action. Regardless of the outcome, New Yorkers will remember next November and in November of 2026.”
New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, December 12, 2023
Contact: Michael Fraser, office: 518-455-3751; cell: 518-859-8518
STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLY MINORITY LEADER WILL BARCLAY ON
COURT OF APPEALS CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING RULING
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) issued the following statement on the Court of Appeals decision to redraw Congressional district lines. In 2022, Republican victories in New York helped flip the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats filed a lawsuit seeking to redraw district lines in hopes of a more favorable outcome.
“New York Democrats were embarrassed on the national stage in 2022 and this is their way of trying to rig the system in their favor. They couldn’t win at the ballot box, so they tried their hand in the courts,” Leader Barclay said. “Today’s outrageous ruling will certainly be challenged. The last thing we need is yet another set of Congressional maps to add even more confusion, chaos and partisan politics into New York’s electoral system. This was a process controlled by Democrats every step of the way and it’s been a complete disaster since day one.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 12, 2023
CONTACT:
Rob Ryan
917-658-0195
rryan92@nyc.rr.com
Stop NY Corruption Issues Statement
on
Court of Appeals Decision
Bobbie Anne Cox, spokesperson for Stop NY Corruption and a Westchester County based attorney who specializes in constitutional law issued the following statement:
“Today, the Court of Appeals has shockingly taken the unprecedented and bizarre step of throwing out a congressional map even though the constitutionality of the existing district lines were not being challenged.
"This now paves the way for Albany politicians to, again, draw districts that are unconstitutional, illegal and unfair. This ruling permits the same Albany politicians who violated the State Constitution when they gerrymandered partisan congressional districts in 2022 another chance to violate the State Constitution so that they can engineer the electoral outcomes they desire. This endangers New Yorkers' right to free and fair elections.
"The rules have been changed in the middle of the game to help one side win—and it is the voters, and the rule of law, that loses.”
To view the Stop NY Corruption website, click here.
Stop NY Corruption, a 501(c)(4), is a statewide organization representing civic-minded New Yorkers opposed to the corrupt act of gerrymandering and dedicated to educating the public about the redistricting process, and preserving competitive elections, civil rights and democracy in New York.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2023
NEW YORK STATE YOUNG REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN PETER GIUNTA'S STATEMENT ON APPEALS COURT REDISTRICTING DECISION
"Joke Of The Century"
ALBANY, NY -- New York's redistricting process truly deserves an award for joke of the century. What we are witnessing is one of the most dastardly scams by New York and Washington Democrats; possibly even the greatest one of all time. After handpicking their preferred Appeals Chief Judge to ensure this pre-determined outcome, these corrupt Democrats are now likely to force through the same gerrymandered garbage that was just thrown out by the courts last year. Despite the cheating and dirty tricks of these Democrats, Young Republicans remain committed to defending and growing the Republican House Majority and fighting against the disastrous policies of Joe Biden and Kathy Hochul.
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The New York State Young Republicans serve as a resource for Young Republicans from Buffalo to Montauk to express their political opinions, learn about politics and civics, receive campaign training, network with like-minded people from across the state, and become more involved in their community. We are a diverse coalition of volunteers, professional operatives, public servants, elected officials, young professionals, and business owners. Our mission is to support the principles and objectives of the New York Republican State Committee and Young Republican National Federation.
New Yorkers between the ages of 18-40 years old who want to make an impact can get involved today by visiting www.nysyr.com to find their local chapter.
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December 12, 2023 Contact: Laura Ladd Bierman
Executive Director
Laura@lwvny.org
League Statement on Court of Appeals Decision on
Hoffmann v. Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC)
“With today’s decision by the Court of Appeals ordering the NYS Independent Redistricting Commission to submit a new congressional district map to the legislature, the League of Women Voters of NYS urges the IRC to uphold the promise of the 2014 constitutional amendments. It is critical that the IRC reach consensus on a new map that complies with the constitutional requirements to avoid partisan gerrymandering, consider communities of interest and protect racial and language minority voting rights. The League strongly supported the 2014 constitutional amendment, and will closely monitor that the IRC and legislature adhere to their constitutional responsibilities in drawing and approving a new map.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Contact:
Daniel@TeamZeldin.com
Lee Zeldin Statement on Court of Appeals Ruling to Throw Out NY's Congressional Lines
NEW YORK - On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, former four-term U.S. Congressman, 2022 New York Gubernatorial candidate, and Chairman of the Leadership America Needs PAC, Lee Zeldin, issued the following statement after the New York Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Democrats’ attempt to throw out New York’s Congressional lines. Congressman Zeldin issued the following statement:
“New Yorkers already voted twice in statewide ballots since the 2010 census to ensure that New York’s constitution would end hyper partisan gerrymandering by the legislature.
Democrats from Albany to Washington, in the legislative branch, executive branch and judicial branch, just colluded to give an enthusiastic middle finger to the voters, violate the state constitution and toss out the state’s congressional maps.
The Court of Appeals eagerly disgraced itself today in a way that will be taught in future law school classes about how, in some cases, merit, the constitution, laws, facts, and the will of the people just don’t matter.”
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For Release: Immediately, December 12, 2023
Contact: Oliver Ashe/oashe10@gmail.com
PALMESANO DECRIES COURT DECISION ON CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING
Statement by Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning)
“The Court of Appeals has just sent New York's Congressional Districts into chaos. In 2014, the voters of this state made it clear they no longer wanted partisan gerrymandering; Democrats in Washington and Albany, however, had different plans. Instead of accepting the fair and competitive lines drawn by the Special Court Master that were used in the 2022 elections, Democrats have decided the lines needed to be redrawn because they lost control of Congress. This was always part of their plan from the beginning. First, file a lawsuit to throw out the Congressional Districts. Then appoint a new Court of Appeals Judge. This appointment was later followed by a judge's recusal and a replacement appointed just for this case. Now, the Court of Appeals has ruled and sent the Congressional maps back to the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC). The IRC is set up to fail to come up with a bipartisan agreement on fair and competitive Congressional Districts and instead allow the Democrat-controlled Legislature to draw new gerrymandered Congressional maps that favor Democrats to shift the power in Congress. Unfortunately, Democrats in Washington and Albany do not want fair and competitive Congressional Districts. They just want power.”
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Contact: Nic Crocitto/ niccrocitto7@gmail.com (518) 791-9022
Date: December 12, 2023
Follow Assemblyman DiPietro on Facebook
Gerrymandering Tactics Unveiled: New York's Court Directive Challenges Democratic Integrity
Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) Addresses New York’s Election Integrity
In a shocking move on Tuesday, New York's Court of Appeals issued an order for a congressional map redrawing, a move seen by many as a calculated effort to manipulate the political landscape. The 4-3 decision instructs a previously deadlocked bipartisan commission to reconvene by the end of February, raising serious concerns about gerrymandering and democratic integrity.
“This court decision exposes the Democrats' ruthless strategy to steal seats through shameless gerrymandering. It's a subversion of the will of the voters and a disgraceful attempt to undermine the democratic process. Democrats resort to cheating because they lack a winning agenda. The timing, orchestrated by Gov. Hochul and Cuomo-appointed judges, reeks of political manipulation as we approach a crucial election year,” said DiPietro.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amanda Braynack/amandabraynack@gmail.com
Date: December 12, 2023
McGOWAN: CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING SPARKS CONTROVERSY
Assemblyman John McGowan (R,C-Rockland) Addresses The Democratic Process.
In a shocking decision on Tuesday, Dec. 12, the State Court of Appeals voted to redraw the congressional maps in favor of Democrats for the upcoming election next year. The 4-3 ruling raises concerns about gerrymandering and ultimately losing power of New York Republican held congressional seats.
“In a true New York fashion, Albany’s one-party ruling takes advantage of voters and the democratic process is no longer fair for the rest of New Yorkers,” said McGowan. “The decision led by Gov. Hochul and disgraced former Gov. Cuomo-appointed judges is disheartening right before a major election year.”
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Release: Immediately, December 13, 2023
Contact: Sofia Aboubacar/ SofiaAboubacar@hotmail.com
BLANKENBUSH REACTS AS NEW YORK CONGRESSIONAL LINES ORDERED TO BE REDRAWN
Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) responded to the recent New York Court of Appeals ruling to order a redrawing of the New York Congressional map. The ruling stems from an intense battle from Democrats after losing control of the House of Representatives in 2022. The Court has directed the New York Redistricting Commission to submit a map to the New York state Legislature for approval by Feb. 24.
“2024 will be one of the most historical elections in New York history. There’s a reason why New Yorkers are starting to vote red. New York Democrats know they failed to protect the public from crime, migrants and inflation. Instead of having the next legislative session focused on providing relief, we will be wasting time debating congressional lines that already gave candidates a fair election to begin with,” said Blankenbush. “If New York Democrats cared about voting integrity, they wouldn’t gerrymander for seats. Albany’s one-party rule is on the verge of collapsing, we’ve all been witnessing its fragility for far too long.”
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For Release: Immediate, December 13, 2023
Contact: Lisa Hill, 518-496-2882
STATEMENT FROM SENATOR GEORGE BORRELLO ON COURT OF APPEALS RULING TO REDRAW CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS
“The Court of Appeals decision that the congressional maps drawn by an independent expert should be thrown out and replaced with gerrymandered maps created by New York’s Democratic machine is deeply disappointing. The ruling confirms that Democrats have successfully weaponized our courts and tainted the last truly independent branch of state government.
It is also a veiled message to New Yorkers that the ‘will of the people’ won’t be honored unless it aligns with the will of New York’s corrupt ruling class. The accountable, transparent redistricting process that state residents voted for has been thrown aside. It has been defeated by brazen political ambition and corruption.
Here in New York, where the wreckage of their radical policies surrounds us, Democrats know they can’t win on a level playing field. That is why they have and will continue their efforts to rig the system through the courts and through slanted and often unconstitutional electoral laws and processes."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2023
Contact: Hayley Hill / (240) 409-2737
MAHER: REDISTRICTING DECISION IS DISHEARTENING TO SEE
A Statement from Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) on the State Court of Appeals decision to allow redistricting of New York’s congressional districts.
“Politicians from Albany and D.C. aren’t able to get the votes on pure policy and doing the right thing for those they represent, so instead, they have to gerrymander and manipulate our election process. It is disheartening to see the people who are supposed to be protecting and advocating for voters turn against them. Democrats say this decision will ensure voters are ‘fairly and equitably represented by elected officials,’ but in reality, they are just moving votes around to their advantage.”
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Contact: Madison Newton/n3wtonm@gmail.com
Date: December 13, 2023
BENDETT: SINGLE-PARTY RULE HAS DEVOLVED INTO A
GERRYMANDERING MESS
A Statement from Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) in response to the New York Court of Appeals ordering a new New York Congressional Map.
“It’s a shame the New York Court of Appeals has ordered a new New York Congressional map to be drawn. We are seeing single-party rule strike again in a strategic effort on the part of New York Democrats to make up for lost ground—what better way to regain ground than to redraw the physical district lines? New Yorkers deserve better than the complex gerrymandering mess created by reconfiguring our state’s Congressional map. It’s time the boundaries are left alone and we get back to what’s truly important: serving the families in our communities who rely on us to look out for their needs. The mess the district line debate has devolved into is truly disappointing.”
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Contact: Madison Newton/n3wtonm@gmail.com
Date: December 13, 2023
BROWN: VICIOUS CYCLE OF CONGRESSIONAL LINE DRAWING
IN NEW YORK CONTINUES
A Statement from Assemblyman Keith Brown (R,C-Northport) in response to the New York Court of Appeals ordering a new New York Congressional map.
“Unfortunately, the New York Court of Appeals has ordered a new New York Congressional map to be drawn—all this will do is trigger a vicious tug-of-war between parties where New York Democrats hope to gain an advantage. The Congressional lines in our state were fairly drawn, yet now, New York Democrats are throwing stones hoping to make waves. This is an unethical move that will do nothing but create a gerrymandering mess and further aggravate New York families as the boundaries of their home districts shift once more. It will be interesting to see what the district lines will look like a year from now.”
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For Immediate Release: December 13, 2023
Contact: Dan LaFave: (315) 408-7173
Sen. Jake Ashby Statement On Court Of Appeals Ruling On New Congressional Lines:
"New York State's current congressional lines are fair and competitive. I don't know how state Democrats can talk about the sanctity of democracy while literally suing to replace duly elected members of Congress. Instead of admitting that bail reform was a disaster, instead of focusing on reforming our immigration system and securing the border, instead of focusing on reducing prices and improving the economy, state Democrats are instead just going to draw themselves districts they like better. It's crazy, and it's especially hypocritical coming from people who claim to be against gerrymandering everywhere else but their own state."
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