DOJ alleges DCCC withheld records in California Prop 50 map suit
The DOJ alleges the DCCC and consultant Paul Mitchell obstructed discovery in its challenge to the Prop 50 congressional map — saying Mitchell produced only a small fraction of files, raised numerous baseless privilege objections, and dumped several gigabytes of documents less than two days before a hearing while the DCCC told the court it lacked control over his materials despite a contract allowing inspection. Court papers say Mitchell “prioritized racial considerations,” including a slide deck highlighting increased voting opportunities for Latino residents; the DCCC counters that DOJ is overstating its access and is forcing a weak case.
📌 Key Facts
- DOJ accuses the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and consultant Paul Mitchell of obstructing discovery in a lawsuit challenging California's Prop 50 redistricting map, saying several gigabytes of documents were dumped less than two days before a hearing.
- The DOJ says Mitchell withheld documents, raised numerous baseless privilege objections during his deposition, and produced only a small fraction of his files.
- Court papers allege Mitchell 'prioritized racial considerations' when drawing the Prop 50 map and cite a slide deck highlighting increased voting opportunities for Latino residents.
- The DOJ contends the DCCC misled the court by claiming it lacked control over Mitchell’s files despite a contract that purportedly allowed the DCCC to inspect or copy his materials.
- The DCCC disputes the DOJ's characterization, saying DOJ has overstated its access to Mitchell’s records and accusing the DOJ of trying to force a weak case — 'slam square pegs into round holes.'
📰 Sources (2)
DOJ accuses Democratic campaign arm of obstruction in lawsuit over California redistricting
New information:
- DOJ alleges the DCCC and consultant Paul Mitchell obstructed discovery, including a late dump of several gigabytes of documents less than two days before the hearing.
- Court papers say Mitchell 'prioritized racial considerations' in drawing the Prop 50 map, including a slide deck highlighting increased voting opportunities for Latino residents.
- DOJ claims the DCCC misled the court by asserting it lacked control over Mitchell’s files despite a contract allowing it to inspect/copy his materials.
- DOJ says Mitchell withheld documents, raised numerous baseless privilege objections in his deposition, and produced only a small fraction of his files.
- The DCCC counters that DOJ is overstating its access to Mitchell’s records and accuses DOJ of forcing a weak case ('slam square pegs into round holes').