Rob Bishop suddenly resigns from Utah Redistricting Commission

SALT LAKE CITY — In announcing his surprising resignation from the Utah Redistricting Commission, former Utah Congressman Rob Bishop didn’t mince words on Monday.

“This commission is designed not to work,” Bishop said.

The commission currently has more members from along the Wasatch Front, including three members from Salt Lake City.

Bishop is afraid that there won’t be a mix of rural and urban areas when the commission submits its redistricting recommendations next week.

“We see things differently,” he said.

Utah Independent Redistricting Commission finalizes maps, pushes back on Rob Bishop claims

The commission is deciding between four different maps that would reorganize all four of Utah’s congressional districts. 

“I respect each of you as an individual,” Bishop said. “But I’m sorry as a group we suck.”

Bishop capped his remarks with the following: “I’m going to make it easier for you, I’m going to resign now.”

Speaker Brad Wilson responded Monday to Bishop’s abrupt resignation with the following statement.

“I appreciate Congressman Bishop’s willingness to serve on the Independent Redistricting Commission over these past several months,” Speaker Wilson said in a press release. “I share his frustrations with how the commission has conducted its business. His decision to step down at this point in the process is further evidence that the duly elected representatives of the people are best suited to redraw district boundaries, as the courts have repeatedly affirmed. As we expect to receive and review maps from the commission in just over a week, I do not intend to appoint a replacement.” 

Read more:

• Rep. Rob Bishop hospitalized after suffering a “mild” stroke
• Rep. Rob Bishop announces he is not running for governor

 

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