Conn. court approves final redistricting plan

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The Connecticut Supreme Court has turned back a Republican challenge to a congressional redistricting plan.

The court said Friday that it has adopted the plan developed by an independent expert known as a special master.

In a last-ditch challenge before the court earlier this week, legislative Republicans argued that the expert's plan does not do enough to revamp the boundaries of the 5th Congressional District in western Connecticut. The GOP argued the district was gerrymandered 10 years ago for two specific candidates and should have been redrawn this year.

House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. said Friday that the adoption of the plan comes as no surprise because the court had instructed the special master to pursue a "minimalist" approach. He said he believes the Republicans' request was reasonable but he respects the decision.