While Democrats have a slim 62-58 majority, five black Democrats unhappy with minority representation in the proposal derailed efforts by Speaker Jim Black to get it approved this week.
Rep. Toby Fitch, D-Wilson, one of the five Democrats, said the plan debated Tuesday and Wednesday might lower black influence within the chamber, in violation of federal law. "I want the Voting Rights Act complied with," Fitch said. "Presently, I don't think it is."
Black said he believes the Democratic plan will receive federal approval. He said black North Carolinians would benefit in the plan by electing them and making their voting bloc substantial in other races.
The bill was taken off the floor Thursday morning and Black said the next full session would be Wednesday. "I thought it was time for folks to cool down and talk about the issues people seem to have problems with," Black said.
The impasse reflects the challenges facing the Legislature as it performs the once-a-decade remap of House and Senate district boundaries. The map lays the groundwork for political control of the N.C. General Assembly and policies it approves for the next 10 years.
Rep. Joe Hackney, D-Orange, said that black legislators were consulted about the changes made in their districts and that 11 were satisfied. "The five members who objected are trying to help the 11 who don't want their help," said Hackney, who serves as House speaker pro tem.
He said he was not sure what changes the five dissident Democrats wanted.
"I don't think their changes have been clearly expressed."
