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Koch: GOP Senate Punts On Redistricting Reform

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch said the state Senate's Republican majority was "dishonorable" for putting off the critical redistricting reform they promised in last fall's election.

The redrawing of election district lines every 10 years has long been used by the majorities in each house to protect their incumbents and power.

After meeting with Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos Tuesday morning, Koch said the Republican refused to honor his commitment to the reform that helped the GOP win back the majority just four months ago.

Koch is a Democrat who's heading the reform effort. He said Skelos insisted a constitutional amendment was needed. A constitutional amendment would take more than 10 years to take effect.

Skelos didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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