This NOLA.com article discusses redistricting in Louisiana. It also states the state intends to submit plans to the Department of Justice for approval. It offers the foreboding prospect:
“Chaisson and House Speaker Jim Tucker, R-Algiers, said they hope to submit their chambers’ respective plans to the Justice Deparment [SIC] in the coming weeks. Attorney General Buddy Caldwell will be responsible for submitting the congressional map. Justice lawyers typically have up to 60 days from receipt to make a decision. If they reject the plan, they will return to the Legislature with their reasons, giving lawmakers another chance.”
Thats a possible 120 days, or more. By then Louisiana could have gotten some clarity from a federal court. It doesn’t seem to make much sense to submit these plans to DOJ with all of the lurking issues involving natural retrogression and a fully Republican redistricting process. In fact, if there was ever a state to go straight to U.S.D.C., this would seem to be it.