State Elections Head Urges ‘Haste’ In SCOTUS Redistricting Case

The chairman of the Wisconsin Elections Commission is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to rule quickly in a challenge to how the state’s political boundaries were drawn following redistricting in 2011.

Commission Chairman Mark Thomsen said Tuesday the state wants a fast decision following next week’s oral arguments so maps for elections next year will be in place as soon as possible. The court is being asked by Democratic voters to overturn Republican-drawn legislative district maps. The Democrats argue the maps are unconstitutional and give Republicans an unfair advantage.

Thomsen said the commission is “under great duress,” referencing the loss of five positions Gov. Scott Walker cut from the state budget.

Thomsen said he hopes the Supreme Court moves “as quickly as possible and with great haste.”