Mo. affirmative action proposal prompts litigation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The wording of a proposed ballot measure banning many Missouri affirmative action programs again prompts litigation from supporters and critics of the measure.

Earlier this month, the secretary of state's office approved for circulation a proposed 2010 ballot measure that would restrict affirmative action programs in public contracting, employment and education. An identical proposition for the 2008 ballot never qualified and led to lawsuits questioning the fairness of the ballot summary that's prepared by the secretary of state.

Petition sponsor Tim Asher said Monday that he will again challenge the measure's ballot summary. Last week, the American Civil Liberties Union said it would seek to have the entire measure declared unconstitutional, or to at least get the ballot summary rewritten.