New Jersey Democrats scrap vote on redistricting proposal

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The Democratic leaders of New Jersey's Legislature scratched a scheduled vote on a controversial plan to overhaul how their districts are drawn.

Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said over the weekend they are canceling a vote Monday on the proposed constitutional amendment.

The proposal generated intense opposition from both the left and right. Opponents argued the plan would result in gerrymandered districts.

The plan's sponsors said it would better represent the public by including them in a commission to draw the state's 40 legislative districts. Currently the state party chairmen appoint the members of the commission.

Critics focused on the plan's requirement the commission base districts on votes in the last decade for president, senator and governor. Balloting in those years tilted Democratic.