Va. GOP leader blocks party’s controversial redistricting plan

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) — The Virginia House Speaker has killed a GOP Senate redistricting plan.

Republican House Speaker William Howell (R-Stafford) said he used a procedural move to kill the legislation Wednesday. That’s because Howell said the the new Senate map radically alters the legislation to which it was attached.

“While I respect the prerogative of the Senate and its members to deal with issues before that body, this legislation is in violation of House rules and the principles by which I have lead this body over the last 10 years,” Howell wrote in a news release.

The new redistricting plan was passed by a majority in the Senate on Inauguration Day, when a key senator was not present to vote.

Democrats said the plan heavily favors the GOP party and disperses black votes in several districts. However, Republicans said the move would create a sixth black majority district.

Read more on this story from the Washington Post. 

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