New Suit Filed Against Florida Senate Redistricting Plan

September 6, 2012

The League of Women Voters, Common Cause and other groups are challenging the Senate’s redistricting map in a new lawsuit that alleges it violated the new constitutional requirements against using political considerations in drawing boundaries.

The challenge was filed in circuit court in Tallahassee and alleges that the Senate drew a map which “reflected blatant incumbent favoritism and partisan gamemanship.”

The map was a second attempt by the Senate, after initially having its efforts rejected by the Florida Supreme Court. But the second map – the one being challenged in the new suit – has survived a challenge in the Suprme Court already, though the plaintiffs say that wasn’t a full review of the issues, but was merely a “facial” review.

“The Legislature drew districts that will keep incumbent senators in office, assist incumbent House members with election to the Senate, impact internal Senate leaderhip battles, and make gains for the controlling party,” the lawsuit alleges.

Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, the incoming Senate president who drove the Republican redistricting effort in the Senate, was dismissive. “Today’s filing is nothing more than summer re-runs of the same complaints that were rejected by the Florida Supreme Court,” Gaetz said.

By The News Service of Florida

Comments

One Response to “New Suit Filed Against Florida Senate Redistricting Plan”

  1. 429SCJ on September 7th, 2012 9:30 am

    Is it my imagination or is this an ongoing issue, this map. Gentlemen, let these ladies sit down and draw up a map that suits their fancy and put this old horse to rest.

    Mr Gaetz, it is better to dwell in the wilderness than to sit in the senate with contentious ladies.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News