Indiana Redistricting and Other Stories of Republican Misbehavior

 What is going on down in Indianapolis is worse than I understood - and that is pretty bad.

As Indiana Senate begins redistricting turn, some Republicans keep mum (Indiana Capital Chronicle) actually buries the worst part.

Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, said Wednesday that he had seen the maps but hadn’t yet read the details of the bill: “You’re not going to get me to commit to something that I haven’t read.”

But, he noted, the legislation goes beyond redrawing boundaries.

“I understand there’s, you know, dates in there and all the things of, you know, people can’t sue. I mean, there’s all kinds of things in there that are unrelated to a map that I have to review,” said Freeman, who is also an attorney. “So I’ll do so, and I’ll be ready to go.”

House Bill 1032 would prohibit seeking or granting temporary injunctions against it, and gives the Indiana Supreme Court “exclusive” jurisdiction over any appeal of an order promoting an injunction.

“That part, in particular, might be a little flag for them in terms of how (unsure senators) view this,” said Laura Merrifield Wilson, a political science professor at the University of Indianapolis.

People can't sue to protect themselves from Republican tyranny? Such hubris has to be born out of the certainty that the Democrats never take control of Indiana's government.

But on the other hand, the curs are ready to impose their own version of a Reign of Terror:

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, who appeared at the pro-redistricting rally on Friday, was more aggressive. He again threatened to support primary competition for fellow Republicans who oppose redistricting.

The bill’s failure in the Senate, he said, “means you’re gonna have to clean house to get real conservatives in.”

Braun first echoed Trump’s primary ultimatum last month, after the president posted that Braun “perhaps, is not working the way he should to get the necessary Votes” — and later, that he “must produce” on redistricting.

Neither Trump nor Braun want an independent legislature, even one of their nominal political party. What they want are people obedient to the Executive's whims and ambitions. 

The danger is that the President or the Governor is a moron, careless about citizen rights as much as they are of their lives. Trump Says He Regrets Pardoning Democrat Now Seeking Reelection.

Then there was also this piece that came through this morning: 4 Indiana Cities Among The ‘Worst Places To Raise A Family’ In The U.S (Southhill Enterprise).

Key Statistics Snapshot

City	Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)	Poverty Rate	Graduation Rate	Child Care Cost (% Income)
Gary	700+	50%	<75%	13% ​
Indianapolis	28 homicides/100k	22% kids	78%	13%​
South Bend	1,400	25%	80%	High ​
Evansville	1,200	20% kids	Mid-tier	High ​

Conclusion

These four cities exemplify broader Indiana challenges, like statewide low quality-of-life rankings (#2 worst per CNBC) driven by crime, child care deserts, and economic stagnation, urging families to prioritize suburbs like Fishers (A+ Niche grade).

Improving safety, schools, and affordability could reverse trends, but current data signals caution for relocation.

Instead of helping Hoosiers flourish, the Republicans are only concerned with seeing themselves and Donald J. Trump retain power.

 

sch 12/8