October 16, 2012 / Modified oct 16, 2012 10:49 a.m.

Judge Dismisses GOP Redistricting Suit

On congressional map, he tells plaintiffs, try again, be more specific

A judge has dismissed a Republican-backed lawsuit challenging Arizona's new map of congressional districts but says the challengers can start over.

The lawsuit contends that the state's Independent Redistricting Commission violated important procedural requirements for drawing new congressional districts for use in elections in the coming decade.

The ruling released Tuesday by Judge Mark Brain of Maricopa County Superior Court dismisses the entire suit, saying it's too long and unclear on what's at issue. He ordered the challengers to file a new version by December.

Brain also says some parts of the suit are legally unfounded. For example, Brain says it's a judgment call for the commission on whether it had enough data to decide whether new districts satisfy the Voting Rights Act and provide enough competition between the parties.

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