Federal Panel Keeps Redistricting Suit In Place

A three-federal judge panel rejected state lawmakers’ effort to dismiss a redistricting lawsuit this afternoon.
 
The federal judge panel assigned the case to U.S. Magistrate Judge Roanne Mann to manage it for the three judges. A conference is expected to be held tomorrow for the sides in the case to discuss any “special directives or suggestions” the court should give Mann “to assist her in preparing a redistricting plan, deadlines, and the appointment of experts.”
 
A source close to the situation said Mann, at least right now, is not the special master who will draw the legislative boundaries for the court should it come to that. But it is a sign,  though, that is exactly where all this is headed, the source said.
 
The big questions will be whether the state Legislature can pass a state and congressional redistricting plan and whether Gov. Cuomo will sign it or follow through on his vows to veto anything not drawn by an independent body.
 
If a deal is reached and Cuomo signs the plan, chances are better that the federal court will accept it. If he vetoes, it’s anyone’s guess who the court will draw the lines.