Dem lawmaker 'optimistic' about Ohio congressional map

COLUMBUS (AP) — A key Democratic state lawmaker says she’s optimistic about talks with Republicans to find compromise over the state’s new congressional map.

Sandra Williams, president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, says things are moving in a “positive fashion” and that people are trying to bring the matter to a close.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the Democratic state representative from Cleveland made the comment Wednesday after a meeting with Republican House Speaker William Batchelder.

The GOP-drawn map that was passed last month has been put on hold as Democrats try to put the new district lines before voters for possible repeal in 2012. The spat has delayed next year’s primaries for president and U.S. House.

Batchelder’s spokesman, Mike Dittoe, says conversations with Democrats are likely to continue over the coming days.