Federal judges declare Ohio congressional map unconstitutional; by Robert Barnes

"A unanimous panel of federal judges on Friday declared Ohio’s Republican-drawn congressional map unconstitutional, a ruling similar to those in a number of states where partisan gerrymandering has been outlawed.“Judges—and justices—must act in accordance with their obligation to vindicate the constitutional rights of those harmed by partisan gerrymandering,” Judge Eric L. Clay of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit wrote in the Michigan case.The action comes as the Supreme Court is deciding whether judges even have a role in such decisions. The high court has never found lawmakers’ efforts to preserve their party’s political power so severe that it violates the constitutional rights of voters."