A trial in State Court challenging the recently drawn U. S. Congressional Map is coming to a close today, after several days of arguments over whether State Lawmakers crafted Districts to benefit Republican candidates. Civil rights groups and some residents want the map thrown out because it waters down the influence of people of color by splitting Wyandotte County into separate districts and because it lumps heavily Democratic Lawrence in a Republican-dominated district.
The challengers spent the first three days of the trial this week, providing expert testimony and evidence to bolster their case. Meanwhile, the attorneys defending the map have argued the case should be dismissed. One more day of testimony is expected Monday, then the case will be in the hands of Judge Bill Klapper. He is expected to issue a ruling within 10 days. Regardless of which way he decides to rule, it will be historic.
The Kansas Judicial System has never considered political or racial gerrymandering and the case is believed to be on its way to a landmark ruling before the Kansas Supreme Court
