Indiana Republicans are fracturing their unity right before voters’ eyes, and it’s all the fault of Gov. Mike Braun and President Donald Trump.
The ongoing game of “chicken” being played by those who want to redistrict Indiana, and those who don’t, has reached an impasse as House Republicans say they still want to pursue it, but Indiana GOP senators are saying “no.”
In the meantime, Braun and Trump have upped their rhetoric game, making all sorts of political threats about “compelling” senators to act and the ongoing always-at-the-ready threat of “primarying” anyone who doesn’t bow to their demands. Braun even went so far as to vow to support primary challengers to those senators who are refusing to vote to redistrict, according to Indiana Capital Chronicle reporting.
On Tuesday’s Organization Day session, Indiana’s senators gave a glance at Braun and Trump’s blathering and then adjourned until January (insert mic drop here).
The Senate’s adjournment resolution was approved by a 29-19 margin. All 10 Democratic senators supported the resolution, while Republican senators split 19-19 on whether to back Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray’s decision last week against meeting in December, on the grounds of too little support for a congressional redistricting to pass the chamber, according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
“Unfortunately, Sen. Rod Bray was forced to partner with DEMOCRATS to block an effort by the growing number of America First Senators who wanted to have a vote on passing fair maps. Now I am left with no choice other than to explore all options at my disposal to compel the State Senate to show up and vote,” Braun said in a statement. “I will support President Trump’s efforts to recruit, endorse, and finance primary challengers for Indiana’s senators who refuse to support fair maps.”
Oh goodness, the travesty of Indiana legislators working across party lines together for the common good of residents. The fact that Braun can’t handle that sort of across-the-aisle collaboration shows why Indiana voters might want to consider “primarying” our governor the next time around.
In a statement to the Capital Chronicle, Bray downplayed the dispute.
“Senate Republicans may have a difference of opinion on a policy matter with the governor, and that happens from time to time, but we are committed to pursuing policies that will make life better for Hoosiers, and we will continue to look for ways to collaborate with the governor,” Bray said.
The current standing among the 40 Republican senators who have publicly stated a position on redistricting is 15 in favor and 10 against. Several other Senate Republicans aren’t going public with their stance, waiting to see a proposed map first.
Enough already.
The senators know that polls show the majority of Indiana voters do not want to have the state redistricted mid-cycle.
Let Braun and Trump blather on. Constituents have made it clear where Indiana should stand on redistricting.
It’s not needed and a waste of time.
And a big thanks to the senators, including Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, who has remained steadfastly against redistricting, for the common sense and respect being shown for Indiana residents’ wishes.
