A Republican candidate for the state’s 5th congressional district wants Democratic Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan to step down from a legislative panel that is redrawing the state's congressional and legislative districts because Donovan is a Democratic candidate a U.s. House seat.
Mark Greenberg, a Republican candidate for the U.S. House seat, issued a statement on Wednesday calling it "a blatant conflict of interest" for Donovan to participate on a committee to recommend new boundaries for the district.
“A declared candidate sitting on the panel that is recommending new district boundaries gives the absolute worst appearance,” Greenberg said.
Donovan said the state Constitution requires his participation in the redistricting process.
"Every member of the committee is an elected official and therefore naturally political," Donovan said. "That's what the Constitution requires. Our positions on the committee are entirely appropriate. As Speaker, I have a leadership role to play and I am fulfilling that responsibility."
He also said he is working with Democrats and Republicans to come to the bipartisan agreement.
