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Judges accelerate redistricting trial

Associated Press

HENRY C. JACKSON, Associated Press

Updated: Jan 25, 2012 3:48 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — A three-judge panel is moving up closing arguments in the federal court hearing in Washington on Texas political redistricting.

The panel has been hearing testimony on whether the Texas Legislature violated the federal Voting Rights Act when it redrew political district maps.

U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer says a U.S. Supreme Court decision last week to return interim district maps to a San Antonio federal court means many of those involved in the Washington trial will be needed in San Antonio.

Closing arguments, which had been scheduled for Feb. 3, will now be held Jan. 31.

Testimony will continue Wednesday with more expert witnesses.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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