The U.S. Supreme Court once again blocked the new GOP-drawn congressional map for Missouri. Minutes later, the state Supreme Court once again demanded the that Missouri Secretary of State must comply.
The Supreme Court summoned Secretary Denny Hoskins to explain why he should not be held in contempt of court for choosing to ignore their legal instructions – and use another ruling by a federal judge in his favor. He then issued orders to county clerks to use the gerrymandered map.
Chief Justice Brent Powell questioned Hoskins’ attorney, William Seidleck:
“Because he chose a door, he risked be held in contempt in one of the courts. He picked door number one or door number two. He could have waited until we just got a ruling from the United States Supreme Court,” Powell said.
The state’s high court also reminded Hoskins that he is not in charge of county election officials. The clerks are in fact, bound by the state Supreme Court. Judge Mary Russell insisted that Hoskins update the counties, “And time is of the essence, so sooner more than later.”
The panel questioned the immediacy of Seidleck’s response:
“This court’s injunction is back in effect, and unless and until some other federal court comes in and says otherwise, the intent is to follow this court’s order and implement and conduct the election under the 2022 map, he told the judges.”
After the hearing, Secretary Hoskins released this statement: “Following the United States Supreme Court’s stay, the only governing court order in effect is from the Missouri Supreme Court. In accordance with that order, my Office is directing local election authorities to use the 2022 congressional map.”
The court will issue its decision in person at 2 p.m. today.