Legislature Filed Lawsuits Wednesday, Maps Likely Headed To Court

Lines between political parties in Colorado remain strong, but the issue of settling where the lines may divide the districts has remained obscure.

Though the Colorado Legislature has been burning the candle late into the night--past midnight everyday this week--to redraw the congressional boundaries, it has failed to produce a map which all parties can agree on.

Lawsuits were filed Wednesday by Democrats and Republicans in Denver District Court. The last session of the Legislature was today so if the maps don't go to court the Legislature will have to call a special session--a measure that could cost the state tens of thousands of dollars a day.

House Minority Leader Sal Pace, D-Pueblo, told the Pueblo Chieftan,“I’m disappointed that the Legislature was not able to get this done. It’s unfortunate that this has to be decided in court."

Over the past few weeks, Democrats have stated that it's been their goal to draw competitive districts for both parties while Republicans have said they've been trying to keep like-minded districts together.

From the Colorado Independent:
Last-minute attempts to create a compromise went on in secret throughout the day, one of those being broken up when members of the press attempted to use sunshine laws to gain entrance.