MILWAUKEE (WTAQ) - A federal court said late Wednesday afternoon that Wisconsin legislative Republicans would not consider re-drawing the state and congressional districts they approved last year.
So testimony will begin Thursday in a lawsuit filed by Hispanic and Democratic groups to try and get the maps ruled unconstitutional.
A three-judge panel in Milwaukee tried Tuesday to get Republicans to re-draw the maps on their own, so the plaintiffs’ objections can be considered voluntarily.
A state attorney said it was not legally possible, but the federal judges disagreed Wednesday and asked the GOP one more time to revisit the redistricting process voluntarily.
When it refused, court officials said they decided to go ahead with the trial.
One of the three judges, J.P. Stadtmueller, said he wants the testimony wrapped up by Thursday – even if they have to go into the evening.
