![]() UPDATE 3:58 pm: Here's a link to the decision. Also see BREAKING: Federal Court Strikes Down One Of The Most Aggressive Gerrymanders In The Country. UPDATE 4:02 pm: Apparently, all three judges (Liam O'Grady, Allison Kay Duncan and Robert E. Payne) were Republican appointees. The George HW Bush appointee (Payne) dissented, but the other two judges (O'Grady and Duncan) - both George W. Bush appointtes - held that "the maps that produced this result are unconstitutional and the legislature must 'act within the next legislative session to draw a new congressional district plan.'" UPDATE 4:06 pm: The Richmond Times Dispatch is up with its story, which notes, "Changes to the 3rd will trigger revisions elsewhere, possibly jeopardizing the GOP's 8-3 advantage in the state's House delegation." Good! UPDATE 4:29 pm: @KentonNgo tweets, "Note that judge ruling forces the VA maps back to General Assembly. Post-Puckett, the only hope for Dems is McAuliffe vetoes EVERYTHING." Which he should. I also agree with Kenton on the following: "Only reason McAuliffe would play ball and sign is flimsy incumbent protection. Literally any court map is better" and "Forbes retirement is most geographically convenient, of course" |