So now what? Wolf, Thompson’s offices talk next steps on gerrymandering

The U.S. Supreme Court weighed in on the issue of gerrymandering in Pennsylvania Monday, denying an application to stay the state Supreme Court’s order on the issue.

State and Centre County officials responded to the nation’s highest court’s decision.

“The U.S. Supreme Court correctly recognized that there is no reason to delay implementing the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s order. Now, all parties must focus on getting a fair map in place,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, in a statement.

“Gerrymandering is wrong and we must correct errors of the past with the existing map. My team is ready, willing and able to work with the General Assembly to ensure a new map is fair and within the clear orders given by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court,” Wolf said.

Renee Gamela, spokeswoman for Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township, said the state court still has to give more direction on it’s findings.

“In its haste to create a deadline for the legislature to act, the court has yet to provide adequate guidance on how to remedy the constitutional issues it has identified,” Gamela said.

“Petitions to nominate candidates will be circulated later this month and primary elections will be held in May. It is imperative to get this right for the voters and candidates — whether Republican, Democrat, incumbent or challenger.”

Thompson is seeking re-election with no challengers on the Republican ticket, but has at least three people seeking the 5th District seat on the Democratic side: two-time nominee Kerith Strano Taylor, Penn State professor Marc Friedenberg and former federal employee Wade Jodun, of Mill Hall.

This story was originally published February 5, 2018 at 10:49 PM with the headline "So now what? Wolf, Thompson’s offices talk next steps on gerrymandering."