Public Asked, Again, To Weigh In On Congress Maps

DENVER (AP) - Democrats and Republicans are both inviting Colorado voters to the state Capitol on Thursday to weigh in on new proposals to redraw the state's seven congressional districts.

Democrats took another crack at drawing their proposal Wednesday, showing reporters new lines that keep the Western Slope mostly intact and keep right-leaning El Paso County in the same district. The new proposal pairs Boulder with some of Denver's southern suburbs. Republicans said the new Democratic map is closer to what they'd like, but still not acceptable.

The new Democratic map and a GOP proposal both have public hearings scheduled Thursday.

Lawmakers are required to draw news congressional lines every 10 years after a census, but redistricting is politically charged as both parties try to maximize their chances.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)