The following statement can be attributed to Jamie Lyons-Eddy, Deputy Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the MICRC’s decision to proceed with BakerHostetler:

“Voters Not Politicians, which drafted the constitutional amendment that created the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission and that guides its overall operation, is deeply disappointed that the commission is moving forward in hiring BakerHostetler as its litigation counsel without seeking additional submissions.

This is a vital position, given the expected legal attacks on the MICRC and its work in coming months. All aspects of the commission’s work must avoid even the appearance of conflicts of interest and partisan bias. BakerHostetler, with its track record of enabling partisan gerrymandering, fails that basic test.

The people of Michigan voted for a non-partisan independent redistricting process, and have trusted the MICRC to carry out that demand. We hope that trust will be fulfilled, but this decision raises serious concerns. Voters Not Politicians will be watching closely in coming months and will insist that this firm and the commission consistently meet the letter of the amendment and the spirit in which it was created.”

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CONTACT: Hannah Lupi

hlupi@martinwaymire.com; 517-643-5153