CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CHALLENGE WV Redistricting Case Dropped From U.S. Court
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Heath Harrison
Reported: Jan. 25, 2013 3:50 PM EST
Updated: Jan. 25, 2013 4:12 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
Critics of West Virginia's redrawn congressional districts must petition a state court to challenge the redistricting further.
A federal judge on Friday dismissed what remains of a lawsuit brought by the Jefferson County Commission and lawyer Thornton Cooper.
The dismissal follows a September ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, rejecting its arguments that the new districts violated the U.S. Constitution.
The 2010 Census prompted the Legislature to redraw the three U.S. House districts in 2011. Lawmakers simply shifted Mason County from the 2nd District to the 3rd District.
Friday's order would allow the plaintiffs to pursue alleged violations of the West Virginia Constitution in state court. Among other arguments, the plaintiffs cite the state constitution's call for compact districts. The 2nd District, which includes Jefferson County, stretches across the state.
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Associated Press
