Pickering challenges Shows on redistricting

By Staff
Special to The Star
Oct. 23, 2001
WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering wants his likely opponent in next year's congressional elections to "stand with me" to keep redistricting out of the courts.
Pickering, R-Miss., challenged U.S. Rep. Ronnie Shows, D-Miss., on Monday to "denounce any effort" that would "circumvent the constitutional and legislative responsibilities and requirements of Mississippi's congressional redistricting effort."
The congressional redistricting process is currently stalled with no clear-cut plan yet emerging from a special legislative committee. In addition, Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck and House Speaker Tim Ford, the top two legislative leaders, have different approaches to the issue.
If the Legislature fails to redraw congressional district lines in time for federal approval prior to the March 1, 2002, qualifying deadline, the courts could step in and do the job.