Voters' lawsuit could play role in Ohio congressional map spat

COLUMBUS (AP) — A Republican Ohio voter has filed suit against Ohio’s governor, elections chief and Legislature alleging the state’s lack of a congressional map will make the 2012 election unconstitutional. GOP leaders in Columbus admit nearly all of her claims.

Belinda Ward of Batavia filed the case Oct. 17 in Clermont County, a Republican stronghold along the Ohio River.

The suit asks the Clermont County Common Pleas Court to retain jurisdiction over the legality of future redistricting plans. That could potentially rob Democrats opposed to the GOP-passed map of an opportunity to fight in a federal court more friendly to their interests.

In a response filed Oct. 28, House Speaker William Batchelder and Senate President Tom Niehaus concede most of Ward’s claims. They want a new map in place by Dec. 7.