Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, said Wednesday that while he has so far declined follow House Speaker Dean Cannon in his decision to join the lawsuit challenging Florida’s two popular anti-gerrymandering amendments, he felt the case should be heard before they are submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice for approval. #

Gov. Rick Scott withdrew the amendments from review by the justice department days after taking office. Haridopolos said there will be plenty of time for federal review once the lawsuit is decided. #

He promised “the most open, transparent reapportionment process ever,” but also said, as he has in the past, that the amendments contained “inherent contradictions” that will lead to “one lawsuit after another.” #

“How do you favor nor disfavor an incumbent?” he asked reporters. “You all help me sift through that. Maybe we’ll take some classes in philosophy at FSU together, I don’t know.” #

Check out a clip of Haridopolos’ comments: #

Mike Haridopolos on Redistricting 1-26-11 from Travis Pillow on Vimeo. #