ERRIN HAINES, Associated Press
ATLANTA – The Senate redistricting committee on Tuesday approved proposed changes to Georgia’s congressional districts, and the maps are now headed to the Senate floor – bringing a speedy end to the Legislature’s main business of the summer special session.
The plan passed by a 10-3 vote Tuesday. The House has already approved the congressional map, and Gov. Nathan Deal has already signed both proposed legislative maps into law. All three maps must be approved by the Department of Justice under the Voting Rights Act.
Committee Democrats attempted to amend the congressional map on Tuesday, saying their version preserved minority voting strength and would avoid a lawsuit. Republicans raised questions about the political motivations for the alternate proposal – particularly in the 12th District, which would favor a Democrat.
The GOP proposal would require U.S. Rep John Barrow of Savannah, the Deep South’s last white congressional Democrat, to move to run for re-election in his newly drawn district.