Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding the Federal Court Decision on Redistricting

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today following the decision by a three judge panel of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia regarding the Georgia State House and Senate legislative redistricting maps:

"This is a good day for democracy and a good day for Georgia. I firmly believe that the tearing apart of communities for purely political purposes is wrong. The people of Georgia should be able to choose their politicians rather than have the politicians choose their people. I am pleased that the court agreed.

"I do not see this as a partisan victory, but rather a victory for all Georgians. I will urge Republicans and Democrats alike to create maps that adhere to traditional redistricting principles. The districts they create should be compact, keep communities of interest together, and they should be fair. In short, they should be fair and square.

"This was a unanimous decision. We should not waste any more of the state's money on this case. It's time for Republicans and Democrats to unite and put Georgia back together again."