Chambers to Omaha: 'I will file a federal lawsuit'

The Omaha City Council’s new redistricting map is drawing fire from one of the state’s best known lawmakers.

Former State Senator Ernie Chambers is threatening to file a federal lawsuit prohibiting the current map from taking effect.

Chambers and others who live in the city’s predominantly black 2nd District on Omaha’s north side are complaining the new maps siphon off a valued piece of Riverfront property that includes the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and the CHI Health Center.

[See Chambers' comments to the City Council above]

At the same time they argue the maps shuffle more whites into the District, which dilutes the black vote.

The City Council has one week to tweak the maps and possibly stave off that federal lawsuit.