Judge Okays Holden Redistricting Appointments

The Republicans-versus-Democrats battle over the makeup of the commissions redrawing Missouri’s political boundaries is over. Circuit Judge Thomas Brown, in Jefferson City, has ruled Governor Bob Holden was within his right to appoint Republican replacements for State Representative Mark Richardson of Poplar Bluff, who resigned from the redistricting commissions. Judge Brown rejected the GOP argument that the Governor was obliged to select people from the party’s list of nominees. Republicans say they are satisfied with the ruling and will not appeal the case.