Tennessee House hoping to take up redistricting map this afternoon

photo The Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville.
Arkansas-Tennessee Live Blog

NASHVILLE - House leaders hope to take up a Republican-drawn redistricting map this afternoon as Democrats continue to press for minor changes.

"They [Republicans] are not giving on anything involving Republican districts," House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner of Nashville said.

He acknowledged that Democrats at this point are seeking several changes "that only affect" the districts of Democrats.

House Speaker Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, told reporters that Democrats "know where I stand," but declined to elaborate much on what that means with regard to any changes.

Republicans in the House were hoping to take up redistricting plans for state House, state Senate and congressional districts this morning. But minority Democrats still have enough votes to block suspension of House rules to bring the bill up early.

House rules require any legislation passed by committee to "lay over" for 48 hours before coming to the House floor unless a two-thirds majority of members vote to suspend the rule.

Senators will take up the redistricting plans on Friday.

Upcoming Events