Udall wants in on redistricting challenge

May 24, 2003

Denver Post

U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo., filed a motion Friday to intervene in a lawsuit that challenges the newly redrawn congressional districts.

Udall wants to join a lawsuit filed last week by Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar, who is seeking to prevent Secretary of State Donetta Davidson from implementing the redistricting plan.

It solidifies Republican control over the new 7th Congressional District.

Udall spokesman Alan Salazar said the congressman agrees with Salazar's contention that the Republican-drawn boundaries are not constitutional.

Democrats have argued that the lines drawn by a district judge should be binding until the next census. Republicans say the state Constitution requires the Legislature to draw the boundaries and that's what they did.

Secretary of State Donetta Davidson has questioned whether the attorney general can pursue the lawsuit. He is bound by the state constitution to represent her office and cannot legally sue her.

Udall's spokesman said the motion to intervene would preserve the case if it is decided the attorney cannot be a plaintiff.

The attorney general's spokesman, Ken Lane , said Udall's motion is welcome.

"His motion stresses the importance of the issue," he said.