In a 2-1 decision, a U.S. District Court this week struck down the state’s congressional redistricting plan. The federal panel found that West Virginia's congressional redistricting plan didn't create sufficient equal districts and was therefore unconstitutional. The ruling gave state lawmakers until January 17 to redraw the districts or they would do it for the state.
In response, state officials indicate they will file an appeal of the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court or request a judge's stay that would allow the Legislature more time to come up with a court-approved plan.
Governor Tomblin has expressed concern that the redistricting issue not dominate the upcoming regular session of the Legislature – which begins next Wednesday and lasts just 60 days. Neither does he want the federal court to redraw the district boundaries for the state.
"The governor believes this is a legislative prerogative, not for the federal court to decide," said Rob Alsop, Tomblin's chief of staff.
Tomblin hopes state legislative leaders take quick and decisive action on the panel's redistricting decision, Alsop said.