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Pennsylvania: GOP Leaders Threaten to Move Primary Date

Chaos over the state legislative redistricting maps might delay Pennsylvania’s April 24 primary — a move that would effect Congressional and presidential races, too.

A later primary would give the Keystone State less prominence on the presidential nominating calendar, as well as influence several House contests, including the high-profile primary between Democratic Reps. Jason Altmire and Mark Critz in the redrawn 12th district.

Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered a state redistricting commission to redraw its controversial proposal for the legislative districts. But there’s growing concern the state Legislative Reapportionment Commission will not have enough time to pass new maps.

On Monday, state Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi told reporters the primary date “is in jeopardy,” according to several local news outlets, including the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, Philly.com and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Pileggi and other GOP leaders have reportedly sued to overturn the state Supreme Court’s decision in federal court. In the meantime, the state Supreme Court ordered leaders to use the maps drawn in 2001 — an electoral scenario loathed by Republicans.

Pennsylvania Democrats did not sue to overturn the GOP-drawn Congressional map. As a result, only the Congressional primary’s date — and not the new House district boundaries — is now in question.

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