Top lawmakers balk at redistricting overhaul

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

The leaders of New York’s powerful legislative majorities aren’t backing a proposal for independent, nonpartisan redrawing of election district lines aimed at making races more competitive.

Senate Democratic leader John Sampson and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver say they plan some changes to the current system that has protected majorities in control of the chambers for decades.

Neither would embrace an overhaul long sought by good-government groups and a new group headed by former Mayor Ed Koch. The groups’ proposal would threaten the perks and power of the majorities.

Silver says the process is more difficult than critics charge, saying U.S. Supreme Court decisions to protect racial minority voters and the state’s constitution demand some of the contorted districts.