UW-Madison welcomed former Attorney General Eric Holder to Madison Friday morning to discuss redistricting reform, criticism of Gov. Scott Walker, increasing voter turnout for the upcoming state elections and a focus on more organizing by Democrats on local levels.
“In 2012, Republicans got less than 50 percent of the vote, but got 60 of the 99 seats in the [state] Assembly … it comes down to how the lines have been drawn,” Holder said, adding that the desired reforms center around “basic fairness.”
The push toward redistricting reform is one of the key aims of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, of which Holder is the chairman.
Holder noted that “these elections will decide who is making the decisions in 2021 on redistricting.”
State Supreme Court candidates Rebecca Dallet, a Milwaukee County circuit judge, and Michael Screnock, a Sauk County circuit judge, could be among those decision-makers.
“I take the world as I find it,” Holder said, acknowledging the ostensible nonpartisanship of the race. “My support pales in comparison to the other side’s support,” he added, referencing campaign donations from partisan political interests in the race.
Dallet has received $140,000 from Holder’s group while Screnock has received $500,000 worth of ads from the state's largest business lobby, the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.
Screnock has continually accused Dallet of politicizing the race and has been critical of the partisan nature of the ads her campaign has been running.
Holder then turned his criticisms toward Walker, calling the governor “breathtaking” in his policy actions.
The NDRC has filed a suit against Walker over his refusal to hold special elections for two vacancies in the assembly until November.
State law asserts that any vacant seat in the Assembly must be filled as promptly as possible, which, according to Holder, gives him cause to take the governor to court over the matter.
Holder noted Walker’s recent decision to call a special legislative session leaves those in the 42nd Assembly and 1st Senate district seats continually without representation in a potentially important reform debate.
Holder also stressed the importance of the student vote and youth activism in the current election cycle.
“There are potential consequences if lawmakers do not head the will of the people … especially young people,” Holder said, adding that it is “time for us to make good trouble and get involved.”
The coming weeks will be busy for Holder as the case against Walker will take place on March 22, while April 3’s state Supreme Court election fast approaches.
