CHICAGO (AP) — Republican legislative leaders pushed for Illinois to change how it draws political boundaries Thursday during a Chicago luncheon that also highlighted other political reform issues including term limits, scrutiny of campaign fundraising and so-called “lame-duck” sessions after an election.
The support for a signature-driven ballot initiative to leave redistricting in the hands of an independent commission — if it survives scrutiny by election officials and a lawsuit — could evolve into a major issue for the GOP ahead of November’s high-stakes election where Gov. Pat Quinn is facing a difficult challenge from Republican businessman Bruce Rauner.
“The single most important reform that we could do in this state is one we have not done yet, that is changing the mapping process,” Republican Senate Leader Christine Radogno said during the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform’s lunch event where leaders outlined priorities.