Salazar Asks Supreme Court To Block Redistricting
Move Pits Attorney General Against Legislature, Governor
POSTED: 12:43 p.m. MDT May 14, 2003
DENVER -- Attorney General Ken Salazar asked the state
Supreme Court on Wednesday to block a new congressional
redistricting law, saying he needed to protect the constitutional
rights of voters.
In his lawsuit, Salazar said lawmakers did not have the right to
redraw district lines that were established last year by a district
judge.
"My duty to the people of Colorado is to protect their rights under our state constitution and their right to vote," Salazar said. "(Senate Bill) 352 is contrary to the constitutional provision that allows for congressional redistricting only once after each census."
The lawsuit names Secretary of State Donetta Davidson, and asks
the court to bar her from enforcing the new districts established
in a law signed Friday by Gov. Bill Owens.
"It's my view that one of the responsibilities that I have as
attorney general is to represent the people of the state of
Colorado and to represent the integrity of the election process in
our state," Salazar said at a news conference.
Davidson's spokeswoman, Lisa Doran, said Davidson was not upset
by the lawsuit.
"We realize this is a formality and this is a part of his job.
We're pursuing our end as well," she said.
Republicans pushed the new law through the Legislature in the
final days of the session last week. It solidifies Republican
strength in the 7th Congressional District in the north and west
Denver suburbs, as well as the 3rd Congressional District on the
Western Slope.
Democrats have sued in Denver District Court, alleging the plan
is unconstitutional and that Republicans violated the state
Constitution in suspending rules to pass the bill. That lawsuit is
still pending.
Previous Stories:
- May 9, 2003: Owens Quietly Signs Redistricting Bill
- May 8, 2003: State Republicans Vote To Redraw 7th District
- May 6, 2003: Democrats Walk Out To Protest Congressional Redistricting
- January 25, 2002:
Judge Decides New 7th District Boundaries
Copyright 2003 by TheDenverChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.








