Between the Lines: Then There Was One
Kansas is now the only state in the country with an outstanding redistricting map.
New Hampshire’s new map became law on Monday when Gov. John Lynch (D) signed a bill passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature. Reps. Charles Bass and Frank Guinta ultimately agreed to the map after some earlier tension over moving voters between the two districts. Both Congressmen are being targeted by Democrats in an effort to defeat them this cycle.
Though Kansas is last, the Sunflower State is moving forward. The state House and Senate were not able to come to an agreement on a map earlier this month. But the state Senate is postured to introduce a map called “Sunflower 13” as early as next week. This map will likely be the starting point for renewed negotiations.
Those watching the process say they are not yet nervous that the late map could affect the Aug. 7 primary.
Meanwhile, Florida’s map remains under judicial review. The state, with a GOP Legislature and governor, completed it’s Congressional redistricting process earlier this year. But Democrats sued over the map in a case that is pending before a state circuit court. They claim that the Republican Legislature violated the state constitution, which prohibits crafting Congressional lines with “the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or an incumbent.” Whatever the court decides, the losing party is expected to appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. The Sunshine State filing deadline for Congressional races is June 8.
