Highest-ranking Republican in Missouri House votes against party on redistricting bill
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) - When the Missouri House approved a bill to redraw the state’s congressional districts, about one dozen Republicans voted against their party. It is the process that allows Missourians to amend their state’s constitution. Right now, questions put on the ballot by citizens only need a simple majority to pass. One of the proposals would require a statewide majority and a majority in all eight congressional districts. The change gives rural districts more power.Currently, Missouri sends two Democrats and six Republicans to Washington, D.C. The new map is said to split up the Kansas City area, currently represented by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. The split aims to create seven districts likely to vote Republican and only one likely to vote Democratic.For the final vote, 13 Republicans voted against the maps. One of those was the highest-ranking Republican in the Missouri House, Speaker John Patterson.However, Branson Republican State Rep. Brian Seitz said there are no hard feelings over the differing votes.