A judge's proposal to redraw congressional districts in New York eliminates a Democratic seat in the Hudson Valley and merges the districts of powerful congressmen on Long Island.
The proposal would erase the Hudson Valley district held by Democratic Rep. Maurice Hinchey, who is retiring.
The judge would also blend some districts on Long Island. That would appear to pit veterans Rep. Peter King, a Republican, against Democratic Rep. Steve Israel and Democratic Rep. Gary Ackerman, both Democrats.
U.S. Magistrate Roanne Mann's proposal would take care of the requirement that New York lose two of its 27 congressional seats because of the state's population growth.
The state Legislature could avoid the judges' action by agreeing on its own plan before March 15.
