Statement From California Common Cause Executive Director Kathay Feng On Filing Of Redistricting Referendum

Media Contact:

August 17, 2011

Phillip Ung (760) 793-0853

Statement from California Common Cause Executive Director Kathay Feng on filing of redistricting referendum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Partisan insiders have filed a referendum today to challenge the maps drawn by the voter-approved Citizens Redistricting Commission. This referendum is motivated by pure party politics, funded by incumbents, who did not get the safe districts that they wanted. They have made a variety of baseless claims that ignore the fact that the maps were approved by a super-majority of Commissioners of both parties and independents and were drawn in a fair and open process with public input at every step. Outside groups across the political spectrum – including AARP, League of Women Voters, NAACP, and the California Chamber of Commerce – have hailed the new process as inclusive and open, ultimately producing maps that reflect what voters wanted when they passed Propositions 11 and 20.”

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview with Kathay Feng, please contact Phillip Ung, pung@commoncause.org or (760)793-0853.

California Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to restoring an open, honest, and accountable government, also working to strengthen public participation and ensuring that political processes serve the public interest, rather than the special interests.