FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 21, 2022Contact: madison@mtgop.orgHELENA, Mont. – Following today’s Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission meeting, Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt released the following statement in response to Chairwoman Smith and Democrat Commission members’ adopting a gerrymandered legislative district map.“The Democrats’ legislative district map is unlawful and blatantly partisan, making it crystal clear that they’re more concerned about gaining political power and furthering their own objectives, instead of what’s best for Montanans. This map flips twelve legislative seats from Republican to Democrat, and simply does not reflect the makeup of our state,” Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt said. “The map fails to meet the mandatary legal criteria of compactness and is nothing short of a political stunt. After calling for compromise, it’s disappointing to see Chairwoman Smith, who is supposed to be nonpartisan, reveal her true political colors and vote for the Democrats map. Additionally, Chairwoman Smith ignored Montana Sunshine laws by allowing closed door, behind the scenes meetings during the virtual work period, leaving Montanans entirely in the dark on this process. The Commission needs to be held accountable for these corrupt tactics.”Under Montana law, the far-left Montana Supreme Court is tasked with selecting the “neutral” Chair of the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission if the four appointed members cannot agree. Historically, past chairs of the Commission have been clearly affiliated with the Democrat party-despite the role requiring a nonpartisan individual.The map will now be sent to the Montana legislature for review and feedback, however the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission is not required to accept their revisions.
