ATLANTA - The Georgia Senate redistricting committee has approved proposed changes to congressional districts.
The plan passed by a 10-3 vote Tuesday and is expected to head to the Senate floor on Wednesday, bringing a speedy end to the Legislature's main business during the special session which began Aug. 15. The House has already approved proposed congressional maps.
Committee Democrats attempted to amend the map, but were voted down 3-9. The Democrats said their map preserves minority voting strength and avoids a lawsuit.
Republicans raised questions about political motivations for the alternate proposal - particularly in the 12th District, which favored a Democrat.
The GOP map requires U.S. Rep. John Barrow of Savannah, the Deep South's last white congressional Democrat, to move to run for election in his newly drawn district.