Posted on 02/23/2012 6:46:06 AM PST by afraidfortherepublic
... Republican lawmakers declined Wednesday to revisit election maps they drew last year, clearing the way for a fast-track trial on Thursday that will determine which political party has an advantage in this fall's elections.
A panel of three federal judges asked legislators Tuesday morning to voluntarily consider redrawing the maps, taking into account legal challenges from Democrats and Latinos. Republicans said late that day they were willing to make changes but did not believe they had the power to do so.
The court rejected that argument Wednesday morning and gave them 5 1/2 hours to say whether they would spend the coming weeks making alterations to the maps. The Republicans declined to do so, and the court said it would start the trial at 8:30 a.m. Thursday.
~snip~
Every 10 years, states must draw new maps of congressional and legislative districts using U.S. Census Bureau data to ensure they are of equal population. Republicans control the Wisconsin statehouse and, as a result, were able to draw maps that favor their party.
But even before they revealed their maps, a group of Democratic citizens sued. Their case later was consolidated with one by the immigrant rights group Voces de la Frontera.
~snip~
For the most part in past decades, Democrats and Republicans shared control of the Capitol and could not agree on the maps, leaving it to courts to draw the lines. This time, Republicans who control state government were able to approve the maps, only to find themselves sued...
Urgent time frame
What maps will be used for elections this fall must be resolved soon. Candidates for the Legislature can take out nomination papers starting April 15, and they need to know where the district lines are to collect signatures. The paperwork must be submitted by June 1.
(Excerpt) Read more at jsonline.com ...
Wisconsin Redistricting Trial Update Ping
FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list.
How did the fascist Democrats even have standing to sue BEFORE the maps were finalized? Who thinks the courts can or will be fair and impartial in this matter? They have already shown they cannot be.
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