Missouri House panel backs status quo congressional map

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri House panel has advanced a plan for redrawing the state’s congressional districts that keeps the current political balance in place. The map endorsed Wednesday by a House panel is projected to result in six Republican members in the U.S. House and two Democrats — the same as what currently exists. Some Republicans and the state’s largest anti-abortion group had urged lawmakers to adopt a map that could make it easier for Republicans to win seven seats. But no attempt was made to do that Wednesday. The redistricting plan is expected to be debated by the full House next week.