COLUMBUS, Ohio — U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) says the new congressional map approved Friday by the Ohio Redistricting Commission “diminishes our state’s stature” and ignores what voters demanded when they called for fairer representation.

“Ohio voters have consistently called for fair representation and transparency,” Kaptur said. “Our democracy works best when voters choose their leaders, not when politicians choose their voters.”

The commission voted 7-0 Friday morning to approve new congressional lines that give Republicans a political advantage in 12 of Ohio’s 15 districts.

The unanimous vote — including both Democrats on the panel — prevents the map from being challenged by referendum and keeps the process from returning to the Republican-controlled General Assembly.

The

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