“Independent” Redistricting Commission Rejects Pledge of Allegiance as Too Divisive, Hires Democrat Lawyer
LANSING, MICH—The Michigan Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Commission rejected a request to recite the Pledge of Allegiance before Commission meetings as the organization maps out new legislative districts in the state.
Commission Chair, Brittni Kellom, said that as Chair, she would not be comfortable leading something that is, “that contentious”(The Pledge of Allegiance). Kellom said the Pledge dissolves the trust they have as a group and that it is not her American duty to say the Pledge.
Democrat Commissioner Dustin Witjes said he “disagree(s) vehemently” with the request for the Pledge. He cited dual citizenship with the US and the Netherlands and explained that if asked to say the pledge, he would turn off his camera and refuse.
Rebecca Szetela (I) said reciting the Pledge would be, “unnecessarily divisive,” and that it, “creates a divisive atmosphere.”
The Commission removed any semblance of non-partisanship by hiring Democrat attorney Bruce Adelson as an advisor to the redistricting process.
Adelson, based in Maryland, has donated money to Democrat Michigan Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson and Democrat U.S. President Joe Biden.
“The Redistricting Commission must remain non-partisan as it conducts it’s work to re-evaluate legislative districts across Michigan,” said Ted Goodman, Communications Director for the Michigan Republican Party. “The Commission must re-evaluate this hire or bring on a second attorney to remove any perception of partisan, political bias.”