LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. – A candidate running for Missouri’s 5th congressional district seat said boundary lines were intentionally redrawn around his home.
The state had to go from nine congressional districts to eight because of information from the 2010 census. On Friday, the Missouri Supreme Court upheld the state’s controversial new lines, including district five.
Republican candidate Jacob Turk said those lines have been “conspicuously” drawn around his home, and he thinks the move was made possible with a push from the current incumbent , U.S Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, D-MO. Turk said if he wins, he’ll have to move.
“It makes us sad in our hearts because I raised a family here. Donna and I live here, but the country is worth that sacrifice,” Turk said. He goes on to say, “Cleaver’s really worried about us running against him again and he will do anything to try to scare us away and I’m a marine veteran and I don’t scare away.”
Turk said in 2010, his team came close to beating Cleaver for the seat.
He also on the positive side of the new district lines, he said they give him a slight edge: three percent more Republicans than in the old district.
“But again, it’s not about us, it’s about making sure the citizens always have the right thing done on their behalf,” Turk said.
Cleaver’s office said the congressman was in Washington. His office did provide Fox 4 with a statement.
“I am saddened that anyone would resort to fact-free and baseless accusations to try to mislead the constituents. It is unfortunate that one of my Republican opponents is unhappy with redistricting, which was controlled by the Republican-led Missouri legislature and affirmed by the highest court of the state,” said US Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. “For my part, I will continue working for all constituents, existing and new, of Missouri’s Fifth District. My focus will remain on jobs, the economy and strengthening the middle class.”
The other Republican candidates also running for the seat in November are Jason Greene of Raytown, Jerry Nolte of Gladstone, Ron Paul Shawd of Lee’s Summit and Randall Langkraehr also of Lee’s Summit.
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