Lawmakers grapple with Fla. redistricting

Florida legislators have been called into a special session to deal with a judge’s ruling that they must redraw districts, a decision that could throw this fall’s elections into chaos.

{mosads}A judge ordered lawmakers last Friday to redraw the districts of Reps. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) and Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) before Aug. 15, though it’s unclear whether they and any others that are altered near them could be redrawn for the 2014 elections, or whether there would be a special election at some point for them.

The GOP-controlled legislature will seek within the next two weeks to draw new districts in northern Florida that comply with state laws barring gerrymandering.

The judge will likely rule shortly afterward about whether it’s feasible to force a reopening of filing in the districts and rushed primaries, or whether to hold special elections after the November elections, which he indicated might be more likely.

The ruling has given Democrats renewed hopes of gaining House seats in Florida, though it remains to be seen how much the districts end up getting altered.