TALLAHASSEE Fla. (Reuters) - A Florida judge on Friday approved the new congressional maps redrawn by Republican legislative leaders in a lawsuit over gerrymandering, and ruled that he would not order a special election in affected districts.
Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis said the 2014 midterm elections would proceed on Nov. 4 using existing maps, despite previously ruling that two of the state's 27 congressional districts were unconstitutional.
His ruling last month had clouded the outcome of congressional races, holding out the possibility of delays in elections in the largest U.S. swing state.
Under court orders to fix the maps, the Republican-controlled legislature approved minor changes affecting seven congressional districts in a hastily convened special session last week.
"We are disappointed and plan to ask the appellate courts to review Judge Lewis' ruling," said attorney David King, a spokesman for the coalition plaintiffs.
Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford, a Republican, praised Lewis for a “speedy, thoughtful and conscientious decision.”
In his ruling on Friday, Lewis said the legislature's map might not be the best possible for the 27 districts, but it met "the requirements of the Constitution."
he is for it before he's against before he's for it again there did that clear up this travesty of constitutional law and the disenfranchising of American voters right for their vote to be counted for what they intend? not like 2012 when republicans ran around claiming Americans put them back in control of house when in reality they lost by over a million votes but remain a thorn in America's political butt because of gerrymandering the same thing this judge is saying is okay for Nov. 4th, and the scotus is not considering replace the voter rights law they struck down in favor of republicans.
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/01/17/gop-brags-about-tactics-that-lose-them-the-vote-but-win-them-the-house/
