NC GOP House leaders ask U.S. Supreme Court to block new maps

North Carolina Republican lawmakers have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a congressional redistricting plan put in place last week, marking the latest twist in an ongoing fight to determine who will represent North Carolinians in Washington. 

The latest move comes as filing for office is already underway.

The maps currently in place were submitted by a three-judge panel after Republican-drawn maps were tossed when they were determined to be gerrymandered for partisan gain.

Attorneys for the GOP legislators say the judges overstepped their boundaries. They argue the state Constitution gives the authority of running congressional elections to the General Assembly.

Eight of North Carolina's 13 current U.S. House seats are held by Republicans, and population growth over the last decade means the state will get a 14th member starting with this year's election.

The redistricting map adopted by the trial judges appears to give Democrats a good chance to pick up an additional seat. Another district is a likely toss-up.

Recently upheld legislative maps are not included in the appeal.