Congressman Kevin Kiley Responds to Prop 50 Result

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA-03) released the following statement, and this video message, in response to tonight’s Prop 50 result:

“It is clear from the early returns that Proposition 50 will pass in California.

“While I believe the conduct of this Special Election, from the rushed timing to the suspension of voter protections, fell well short of the ideals we ought to strive for in our democratic process, nevertheless, the People of California have spoken.

“In spite of tonight’s result, I remain heartened that California voters still support independent redistricting. A poll just a few days ago found 72 percent support our Citizens Redistricting Commission. Indeed, while Prop. 50’s passage brings back gerrymandering in California, it also adopts a policy supporting independent redistricting nationwide.

“I will answer this call of the voters, and work across party lines to find a national solution to the age-old plague of gerrymandering, and in particular, to the more recent affliction of mid-decade gerrymandering. In fact, I have already introduced legislation to that effect, and it has strong bipartisan support.

“The reason I opposed Prop. 50, even as I also oppose what’s happened in other states, is because I believe fighting fire with fire burns everything down. With California’s new gerrymander, the redistricting arms race has no end in sight: North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana for Republicans; Illinois, Maryland, Virginia for Democrats. And to what end? It’s a race to the bottom that degrades democracy everywhere. It’s both a symptom of our country’s political divisions and a troubling new trend that is sure to make that division even worse.

“Tonight, more than ever, I believe excessive partisanship is one of the biggest challenges facing our country. The tenor of political discourse keeps getting sharper, gridlock continues to get more extreme. It’s gotten so bad that for over a month, the government has been shut down because Congress can’t reach the most basic of agreements, with people now losing their food assistance as a result.

“When I first ran for Congress 3 years ago, I pledged to be an independent voice for our district, to fight for all Californians, and to work towards overcoming our country’s political divisions. I believe that mission is even more important today. That is why I am committed to earning the support of voters for another term in the U.S. House of Representatives next year. Politicians can change the lines on a map, but they can’t tell you how to vote. In a democracy, the power to choose our representatives always rests with you, the voter.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in today’s election. It is an honor to represent California in Congress, and I look forward to seeing you soon.”

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