Warner, Kilgore declare truce over judge's gerrymandering decision
After two weeks of bantering, mainly through press releases, Gov. Mark R. Warner, a Democrat, and Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore, a Republican, reached an agreement Saturday over Virginia's redistricting crisis.
Warner agreed to request that the Virginia Supreme Court review a recent decision that held the district lines drawn by the Republican-controlled legislature were unconstitutional.
The March 11 decision, issued by Salem Circuit Court Judge Richard C. Pattisall, stated that current district lines unconstitutionally divide regions of black voters. Kilgore, who is representing the State Board of Elections, promised a quick resolution of the case.
Warner and Kilgore met briefly Saturday, after which they issued a joint press release saying the resolution reached was the best solution for all involved parties.
The partisan conflict between Warner and Kilgore began after Kilgore announced he would appeal Pattisall's ruling before informing Warner of the judge's decision.
Warner originally said he would employ two outside lawyers for the appeal, but decided to allow Kilgore to represent the State Board of Elections. Pamela S. Karlan, a Stanford University legal scholar, still will represent Warner in the case.
Warner and Kilgore both expressed hope that the Supreme Court would hear the appeal in the near future, because the original decision, if it is not overturned, calls for new House of Delegates elections this November.
- Compiled by Chris Wilson
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