Redistricting Battle Moves To The Courtroom

The controversy over the makeup of the commissions that will redraw Missouri’s political boundaries is moving through the courts. Republicans and Democrats have presented their cases to Circuit Judge Thomas Brown in Jefferson City. The Republicans contend the replacement for State Representative Mark Richardson, who resigned from the commissions, should be chosen by the GOP. Democrats say Governor Holden was within his right to appoint two Republicans chosen without the consent of the GOP. The judge’s ruling is expected very soon. Judge Brown has already gone on record as saying he expects his courtroom to be a weigh station on the road to a decision by a higher court. The losing side is expected to appeal directly to the State Supreme Court.