Georgia Senate committee approves congressional plan

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

photo Rep. Roger Lane, of Darien, Ga., introduces the proposed map of the Georgia House Districts to the Georgia House of Representatives at the State Capitol Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011 in Atlanta. The Georgia House has approved new political boundaries for its 180 members. Representatives voted 108-64 on Thursday to approve the Republican-authored map after three hours of debate. The plan will pit 20 House incumbents against fellow incumbents from the same party. Four of the pairings are Republican districts in south Georgia. Six are Democratic matchups in metro Atlanta. (AP Photo/Atlanta Journal & Constitution, Jason Getz)

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.