Federal judges discuss suit over NC Congress maps

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — While voters challenging two North Carolina congressional districts want to block their use in the 2014 elections, government attorneys want any decisions delayed until state redistricting lawsuits run their course.

Voters living in the 1st and 12th Congressional Districts sued in October, alleging the boundaries constitute racial gerrymanders. They've asked a three-judge federal panel to prevent future elections under the maps.

Attorneys for Gov. Pat McCrory and legislative leaders asked this week that rulings be delayed until lawsuits in state court challenging congressional and legislative maps conclude. The state Supreme Court heard arguments in January.

Lawyers in the federal case met Wednesday in Greensboro with one of the judges.

The General Assembly approved the maps in 2011. The maps were used for the 2012 elections.

WSOC