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Judge dismisses challenge to Maryland redistricting map

Judge dismisses challenge to Maryland redistricting map

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ANNAPOLIS — A U.S. District Court judge has rejected a challenge to the Maryland congressional redistricting plan proposed by the governor and approved by the General Assembly last fall.

Gov. Martin O'Malley, center, speaks before signing a congressional redistricting bill between Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, left, and Speaker of the House of Delegates Michael Busch during a special session in Annapolis, Md., Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011. The districts were redrawn for the next 10 years in response to the 2010 census.

An opinion issued by Judge William Quarles on Monday denies the request for a judgment in the case, honoring Gov. Martin O’Malley’s request that the case be dismissed.

Quarles wrote that the plaintiffs failed to show the plan, which adjusted the shape of Maryland’s eight congressional districts, violates the state constitution and statues.

They argued that the governor’s plan violated the law because it gave insufficient consideration to contiguity, compactness and political subdivisions. However, while state legislative maps are held to those requirements, congressional districts are not measured by the same standard.

The case is among a handful of challenges to be rejected.

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