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FL Legislature Files Federal Lawsuit On Redistricting

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — In a pre-emptive move, the Florida Legislature has filed a federal lawsuit Monday in Washington, D.C., in case the Justice Department rejects its redistricting plans.

House spokeswoman Katherine Betta said the case was filed to reserve a place on the court calendar if needed.

Betta said that's to make sure it can be resolved before the June 8 candidate filing deadline for this year's elections.

The Justice Department first must review the legislative and congressional maps for compliance with the Voting Rights Act.

The Legislature will meet in special session Wednesday to begin revising the Senate map that was rejected last week by the Florida Supreme Court.

Legislative leaders are planning to complete that work next week and send the map back to the Supreme Court for further review.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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