Redistricting revisited …

 

Reports are that the congressional redistricting map produced by the state legislature in Raleigh has been challenged by The U.S. Justice Department over concerns about compliance with the Voting Rights Act.  The 1965 Voting Rights Act gives federal authorities the right to OK or veto voting districts in geographic areas (READ: Down South) where there has historically been institutional discrimination against minorities.

Reportedly, the feds are concerned about the redrawn majority-minority 1st district, currently held by Congressman G.K. Butterfield. if the legislature ends up having to tweak this district, it could have a domino effect on the 13th, currently held by Democrat Brad Miller (D), which was drawn from majority Democrat to majority GOP.

On the legislative district side of things, Moore County’s state senator Harris Blake is seeing a glimmer of hope.  He was drawn into a district with his own party’s Whip.   The Moore senator told The Fayetteville Observer yesterday:

In Moore County, Republican Sen. Blake wouldn’t discuss his plans. His Senate district loses Harnett County and picks up part of Randolph County, where incumbent Republican Sen. Tillman lives.

Blake pointed out that the district maps are not final and could be adjusted before the final votes.

“The world will know what my plans are after we vote, after we get the redistricting lines settled,” Blake said.