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.