Federal judges delay action on Rep. Corrine Brown redistricting fight

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Federal judges in Tallahassee delayed taking action during Friday morning’s hearing on Rep. Corrine Brown’s motion to stop enforcement of a Florida Supreme Court-ordered plan to redraw her district’s lines.

After her attorney requested more time, the judges gave Brown’s side until April 4 to submit additional evidence.

The other side has until April 11 to respond to that new evidence.

“Do not disenfranchise the people that I represent,” said Brown.

She brought three busloads of supporters with her to Tallahassee.

The courtroom was so full, there was an overflow courtroom across the hall. Its benches were also filled.

Brown’s attorney argued that manipulating the current district lines dilutes the voting strength of the minority population in Florida.

The attorney for the other side, David King, called Brown’s current district “grossly noncompact” with “hooves, tentacles and appendages.”

King said in court the way District 5 is drawn should be about increasing voting opportunities, not restricting them for the benefit of the incumbent.

“I do think it’s an organized effort to take me out now. Now I do believe that,” said Brown.

When asked if she would take this redistricting fight to the U.S. Supreme Court if the federal judges in Tallahassee don’t rule in her favor, Brown said she is “prepared to do whatever is necessary.”

Cox Media Group