Judge enters final redistricting judgment

JUNEAU (AP) — A state court judge has given final approval to Alaska’s new redistricting map, clearing the way for its use in upcoming elections.

Still unsettled, though, is who is considered the prevailing party for purposes of winning legal fees.

The Alaska Redistricting Board had asked Superior Court Judge Michael McConahy to enter a final judgment in the case, noting that no appeals had been filed.

McConahy had earlier given his approval to the plan and on Friday entered final judgment, finding the plant to be constitutional.

McConahy also said he would give all the parties until Jan. 22 to file motions on who should be considered the prevailing party.

The Fairbanks-area plaintiffs and the defendant in the case, the Alaska Redistricting Board, have each claimed to be the prevailing party.