By KRWG News
New Mexico – Democrats and Native Americans oppose a Republican-backed proposal for a court-appointed special master to draw boundaries of congressional, legislative and Public Regulation Commission districts.
Groups of Democrats and Laguna Pueblo voiced their objections in filings Friday in state district court in Santa Fe.
Democratic legislators and others said a special master will add delays and expense to redistricting. They recommended that retired District Judge James Hall move ahead with redistricting lawsuits and reject the special master proposal by Gov. Susana Martinez and other Republicans.
Hall is planning four hearings in December and January to gather evidence he'll use in drawing new district boundaries.
Republicans say a special master can prepare politically neutral maps for the judge to consider in deciding how districts must be realigned for population changes.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.