'Why not': Gov. Evers open to signing his voting maps if GOP passes them

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Could there be a resolution at the state Capitol over redrawing Wisconsin's electoral maps?

It's a possibility after Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) said his caucus may vote on Evers legislative map proposal without any changes, a move the Democratic governor didn't rule out.

"Why not?" Evers told reporters when CBS 58 asked if he would sign his own proposed maps if they are approved by the GOP-controlled legislature as-is.

However, Evers was skeptical about that outcome after Republicans passed a revised version of his map, they argued included minimal changes that protected some GOP incumbents.

"I'll believe it when I see it," Evers said. "They said that the last time and it wasn't my maps. It was their maps. So, we'll see what happens."

The opportunity is on the table after LeMahieu and a spokeswoman for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) signaled they'd be open taking up Evers proposal.

"We’ll discuss all of our options in regard to maps, and one of them would be — the governor has said the only maps he’ll sign is his own maps, so that’s an option we might look at," LeMahieu told reporters.

If Evers signs his redistricting map, it could put an end to a costly legal battle before the state Supreme Court. It could also prevent the court from picking a map that's more favorable to Democrats.

Last week, two consultants hired by the court to review six legislative maps ruled out the ones submitted by Republicans and determined the Democratic proposals largely met the criteria to create more-fair representation across the state.

It comes as the stakes are high for both Democrats and Republicans.

Under new maps, Democrats could have an opportunity to win more seats in the Legislature after Republicans have had control of both chambers since 2011.