FRANKFORT — House and Senate negotiators appear close to an agreement on new boundaries for Kentucky's six congressional districts.
"We have a map that shows great promise," House Speaker Greg Stumbo said late Thursday.
Senate Majority Leader Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said the Senate has had "little time to analyze anything" from the House, but "hope springs eternal."
Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, said the staff of U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Somerset, has been instrumental in helping the Democratic-controlled House and Republican-led Senate come to a consensus after weeks of negotiations.
Senate leaders were looking at a proposed map after the chamber adjourned Thursday evening. If the Senate agrees to the new map, it's possible for the legislature to approve the plan before the Feb. 7 filing deadline for congressional candidates.
Stumbo called the latest proposal a "legitimate compromise" that addresses the concerns of the House, the Senate and the congressional delegation.
"Compromise is when everybody gets what nobody wanted," Stumbo said. "Nobody got everything they wanted, but everybody got the biggest part."
Stumbo did not provide the media with a map but said the latest proposal would leave Owensboro in the 2nd District, and Pulaski and Wayne counties would remain in Rogers' 5th District.
Pulaski County was split under the House's initial plan.
Senate State and Local Government chairman Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, said the earliest his committee could consider a compromise plan would be Monday. The legislature is not meeting Friday.
