Scalia’ s Death Could Impact NC Primaries

CHARLOTTE, NC– A challenge to whether the re-drawn lines in congressional districts 1 and 12 are legal, is in the high court’s hands.

Something experts say Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia would not have supported.

“Historically, he has been against these kinds of drawing of maps to favor one racial group against another.  But we really don’t know what a justice would do until they issue there opinion,” says Political Expert Michael Bitzer.

A three judge panel ruled the lines were unconstitutional and need to be changed by February 19th.

They say there is a concentrated group of African-Americans, who normally vote Democrat in District 12. The district runs from Mecklenburg County to Greensboro.

The new lines limit the number of Blacks who vote Democrat in outlying districts.

“Out of that one district you get one African-American Democrat, but you get four white republicans.  Now if you split all the African-Americans voters into those other districts you get a more equal balance,” says Political Analyst Michael Bitzer.

Governor Pat McCrory issued a stay, to stop the redrawing of the district, which threatened to push back the March 15th primary.

Something Mecklenburg’s board of elections chair hope will stay on track.

“If it’s saying they weren’t drawn correctly it’s going to also mean you are going to have to take some from other congressional districts,” says Michael Dickerson, Director of Elections for Mecklenburg County.

Chief Justice John Roberts will hear from challengers to the redistricting on Tuesday.  If he sides with Governor McCrory, the district lines will not be re-drawn.  If not, the Supreme Court will take up the issue.