Page 60 - Weldon Spring News Today

The chamber voted down a map late Monday that would give Republicans an advantage in seven of Missouris eight districts by a vote of 8-24.

The proposed map has drawn criticism from Democrats who argue a map with five Republicans and three Democrats would better reflect the political makeup of the state, while a coalition of Republicans have spent weeks advocating for a 7-1 map.

The amendment failed with only eight voting in favor versus 24 opposed.

Ahead of an anticipated Senate debate on the proposed Missouri congressional map, several GOP officials urged more than 100 supporters gathered Monday in the Capitol to continue to press for a redrawn map that would add an additional seat in Republicans' favor.

Members of the Senate conservative caucus, and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, hope GOP leaders will agree to target a safe Democratic congressional seat in Kansas City and create a 7-1 map in favor of Republicans.

The map retains Missouris partisan alignment and makes alterations to the southwest 7th district, which is up for grabs this year.

The Missouri Senate refused to confirm Donald Kauerauf as the director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The map will go to the full Senate, where chamber leadership and other Republicans disagree on how aggressively its lines should be drawn.

The map will go to the full Senate, where chamber leadership and other Republicans disagree on how aggressively its lines should be drawn.

Over 100 demonstrators rallied at the Capitol on Monday in opposition to Donald Kauerauf's nomination and efforts to boost vaccination rates.