Top GOP officials meet on Mo. redistricting

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Many of Missouri's top Republicans from the state and U.S. capitols have met in Jefferson City to try to settle a stalemate over redrawing Missouri's congressional districts.

U.S. House members Todd Akin, Jo Ann Emerson and Blaine Luetkemeyer were seen entering the Missouri Republican Party headquarters Monday. Akin said they were there to meet about redistricting. Also present were House Speaker Steven Tilley, Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer and other state lawmakers. At least one other Congress member participated by phone.

Sen. Scott Rupp, chairman of the Senate committee responsible for redistricting, said after the meeting that every discussion helps make progress.

The House and Senate have passed different versions of a plan to reduce Missouri's nine congressional districts to eight. Republicans hope to approve a final version soon.