Mo. redistricting panel considers testimony on map

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A lawyer challenging proposed new boundaries for Missouri Senate districts says the redrawn map is unconstitutional.

The comments came during a public comment session Thursday of the bipartisan commission that proposed the new map for the 34 Senate districts. The panel has endorsed a tentative map and is required to accept public comments before giving final approval.

Commission members spent more than two hours questioning Eddie Greim, the lawyer for a group that filed suit last week over the redrawn districts. The federal lawsuit contends the new map favors urban voters at the expense of rural residents.

Several Republican senators from St. Louis County have criticized the map. Two lawmakers testified Thursday, and a third observed much of the hearing.