Indiana House Republicans are working with a national GOP redistricting attorney as they prepare to redraw the state’s legislative district lines.
Attorney Jason Torchinsky works with Republicans around the country to coordinate redistricting efforts. He and his law firm have been involved in multiple legal battles, defending GOP-drawn maps and opposing independent redistricting commissions.
Indiana House Republicans hired Torchinsky and his firm for “legal advice” on redistricting. That could include representation in court, if Republicans get sued over the new maps they draw this year.
The House GOP insists it “[has] not and will not contract with any outside organization to draw the legislative maps or provide data.”
Torchinsky and his firm have received more than $2,700 so far, paid out of a pot of $54,000 each legislative caucus received for redistricting.
READ MORE: Redistricting 101: Who Draws Indiana’s Legislative District Maps, And How
Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues.
In a statement, House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) expressed alarm, saying the contract confirms that “high-priced Washington D.C. consultants” will drive Indiana’s redistricting process.
Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.
