(AP) — Missouri's high court entertained arguments Thursday on whether to force changes to the state's Senate districts in a case that has divided majority-party Republicans over how to apply new voter-approved redistricting criteria.
The lawsuit brought by voters contends that Senate districts in suburban St. Louis and western Missouri's Buchanan County violate the state constitution by needlessly splitting cities or counties into multiple districts.
The outcome of the case won't affect immediate control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a 24-10 majority over Democrats.
Deputy Solicitor General Maria Lanahan told judges that various other Senate districts — though not challenged by plaintiffs — also split counties while not following political subdivision lines.
"Compact, contiguous territory is the first and most powerful line of defense against political and racial gerrymanders,” Senate Republicans wrote in a brief filed by attorney Eddie Greim.
Persons:
Chuck Hatfield, Hatfield, Maria Lanahan, —, ”, Eddie Greim
Organizations:
JEFFERSON CITY, Republicans, Republican, GOP, Democratic, Senate, Democrats, Missouri House Republican, ”
Locations:
Mo, St, Louis, Missouri's Buchanan, Missouri, Buchanan, Hazelwood