Statement From Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith on Sen. Nan Rich’s Proposed Maps

Tallahassee, FL –  Today, Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith issued the following statement in response to Senator Nan Rich’s proposed redistricting maps.

“We believe Senator Nan Rich’s maps comply with the governing principals of the Voting Rights Act while at the same time reconciling the voter-approved principles and guidelines of Amendments 5 & 6. Furthermore, Sen. Rich’s maps stand in stark contrast to those submitted by Republican Senator Don Gaetz.Sen. Gaetz’s proposed maps represent incumbent protection and partisan advantage at its worst — the very things Florida voters overwhelmingly rejected.

“The suggestion that Sen. Rich’s maps are retrogressive in any way is without merit. We believe our maps are clearly in compliance with the Fair Districts standards, more so than any other maps submitted to date. Our guiding principles prohibit us from racial gerrymandering, incumbent protection or partisan advantage.”

###