Panel shown new map with competitive areas

Feb. 10, 2004

Capitol briefs

The state's redistricting commission recoiled Monday when members got their first look at what would result from an all-out focus on creating as many competitive legislative districts as possible.

The commission moved forward with drawing a new legislative map as it was rebuffed again in court. A state Court of Appeals panel denied the commission's request for a stay to block a trial judge's order requiring it to draw a new map with more emphasis on creating additional districts possibly winnable by either major party.

Commission-hired consultants presented the panel with maps that included 23 competitive districts, an increase from the four competitive districts produced by the map overturned as unconstitutional.

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