Shepherd Rules Redistricting Unconstitutional

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Secretary of State was ordered Tuesday not to implement newly redrawn legislative districts after Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd ruled it unconstitutional. Shepherd wrote in a 16-page order that the current districts are out of balance and must be redrawn to comply with the "one person, one vote" mandate of federal and state law. Shepherd's ruling restores district boundaries that had been in place throughout the last decade, and extends the deadline to Friday for legislative candidates to file to run in this year's elections. Some candidates may have to withdraw in the newly redrawn districts and file for election in the old districts. Some attorneys are considering a quick appeal to the Kentucky Supreme Court. House Speaker Greg Stumbo says it's obviously an issue that needs to be addressed by the Supreme Court.