Virginia judge blocks Democrats’ referendum
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Virginia judge is temporarily blocking Democrats’ plan to hold an April referendum on new congressional maps that could seriously impact the midterm elections. The decision threatens Democrats’ push for more U.S. House seats. On Thursday, a Tazewell Circuit Court judge granted a temporary restraining order sought by Republicans. The order runs until March 18 and clashes with early voting set to begin March 6, which could doom the referendum. Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones says he will appeal the ruling. Republicans say the referendum’s timing and wording break the law. Democrats argue it levels the playing field ahead of the midterms.