It’s been happening for 30 years, and Tuesday proved no different: After spending much of the day “launching verbal grenades from their respective corners” (Fox 31), by about 8:30 last night, the state’s elected officials remained divided enough to leave the matter of redistricting to a costly special session or, more likely, to the courts (Associated Press). That means a judge will probably play a role in whether or not your representative in Washington, D.C., could change.

Prior to Democrats killing House Bill 11-1319, the last chance at the redrawing of boundaries for Colorado’s seven Congressional districts this session, the war of words reached its pinnacle, with House Speaker Frank McNulty and Senate leader Brandon Shaffer going for the jugular. (McNulty: “If he says I’m being an impediment, he is lying.” Shaffer: “He’s playing the blame game, and the rest of us are trying to be the adults in the room.”)

Each party has harbored suspicions about the other’s tactics throughout the debates over the past few weeks. Republicans believe Democrats have wanted a court battle all along, hoping a liberal judge will be sympathetic to their cause. Meanwhile, Dems have accused their opponents of drawing lines that would secure Republican victories in five of the districts (The Spot).

Both parties have already filed lawsuits in Denver District Court (The Spot).