INDIANA NEWS SERVICE - Indiana lawmakers returned to the Statehouse weeks early on Monday, taking up a controversial mid-decade redistricting plan that could reshape congressional representation.
Hoosiers filled the atrium and crowded the gallery to oppose the move, reacting during floor debate. Democrats argued that the House broke its own rules by returning before the previously scheduled January date. That concern triggered some of the most heated remarks of the day from state Rep. Ed Delaney, D-Indianapolis.
"So, you can't run roughshod from the speaker's chair over one of the parties," he said. "And if you're ever so unlucky as to not be in a supermajority, you're going to get run roughshod over – and you're setting a precedent. 'The hell with the rule,' is what you're saying."
Republicans insist Indiana Code gives lawmakers authority to reconvene and say the bill should move forward so Hoosiers can weigh in through hearings. They argue nothing is final and the public process now begins. Public testimony starts today before the Elections and Apportionment Committee.
House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, said ignoring rules damages the institution.
"We are clearly in violation of Rule 2.2 and 2.3, and we should not be coming back," he said. "We shouldn't be here at all today. We have rules governing this House. We should follow them."
Democrats also warn the proposal splits communities, including Indianapolis, into four districts, weakening minority voting power. State Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis, called the proposed map "extreme."
"Quite frankly, the other bill was gerrymandered," she said, "but this is a gerrymandered bill on steroids."
The House upheld the Speaker’s decision to proceed 65 to 18. A Democratic motion to stop the bill immediately failed.
Joe Ulery wrote this article.