Posted on 10/01/2005 10:57:34 AM PDT by LdSentinal
ATLANTA - The U.S. Justice Department gave Georgia the go-ahead Friday to use a new map drawn by Republicans for congressional elections next year. The map, drawn after Republicans gained control of the Legislature this year, replaces an earlier one crafted by Democrats when they held the power to redistrict.
The map significantly restructures the state's 13 congressional districts, eliminating oddly shaped districts which Republicans argued were purposefully designed by Democrats to punish Republicans and retard that party's growth.
Republicans gained the governorship and control of the state Senate in 2002 and control of the House in 2004. Before that, the state had been under Democratic control since 1870.
States must redistrict every 10 years after a census to ensure that districts are as nearly equal as possible by population, but may alter the plans between censuses.
However, states such as Georgia with a past history of racial discrimination must submit any changes in electoral procedure to the Justice Department for "pre-clearance," or to a court in the District of Columbia.
It was that "pre-clearance" which came late Friday.
The previous plan drawn by Democrats had been approved by a panel of federal judges. Democrats argued during this year's legislative session - the first under Republican control - that there was no need to change the map.
Republicans countered that they were putting Georgia back together after Democrats sliced it apart in an effort to ensure that Democratic candidates had a better shot at election.
The new Republican map divides fewer counties and voting precincts than the Democratic one it replaced, and also would allow most current members of Congress to seek re-election without facing another incumbent. The current delegation includes seven Republicans and six Democrats.
The only Democrat paired with a longer-serving Republican is freshman Rep. John Barrow, who would inherit a lot of turf currently belonging to Republican Rep. Charlie Norwood.
The map also includes an open district in southeast Georgia. That district includes former Rep. Max Burns, a Republican who served one term before being ousted by Barrow.
Republican leaders have openly said that a staff member for U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, a Republican, drew the new map.
Westmoreland issued a statement Friday. "I tell you what, it's been a long four-year battle trying to get the maps where they really represent the people of Georgia.
"The map was a good map. It was a map that was not drawn with any political intentions. It was drawn to put to put districts like state is apportioned. I'm glad that it was done in a speedy manner."
Added Dan McLagan, Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue's spokesman, "These maps are fair and square and allow people to choose their politicians rather than the other way around. We expected that they would be accepted and are gratified that they were."
Looks like a pick up of two seats.
Indeed. Phil Gingrey's district is now secure and John Barrow will be in a tough fight next year against Max Burns.
Yah. That's what I've been saying. The rats keep saying they need to pick up however many seats (can't remember) to gain control of the House. I keep saying 'Well, that many +2 because of Georgia).
It's not happening. Matter of fact, I'm not even sure they'll make any gains. If they do, it'll be like a seat or two.
(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
" that a staff member for U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland"
Ronnie "Ham Sandwich" Earle to issue indictment for someone by the name of "staff member". Earle says he does not know their name, but he is sure they did something illegal.
/sarc.
Thanks LdSentinal. Good News.
More evidence that State and local elections really do count.
Marshall will definitely have the toughest reelection against Mac Collins. Barrow will be a distant second.
Be nice if this would get rid of the dimwitted Cynthia McKinney....no such luck I suppose.
No,better to keep her there.She,along with Patrick Kennedy,can be a token Congressional Dimbulb.
LMAO!
Geez..if we get rid of all the moonbat demorats, who we gonna laugh at then? Cynthia is so dim-witted, she thought .....never mind, she can't think!!!
He he he
Yes, we are very happy down here in GA.
I just hope the GA Repubs have drawn up the new districts in such a way that a few Democrats will now lose their seats. I don't care if their plan is fair or not, you can't worry about playing fair when your opponents are as crooked as a dog's hind leg.
Thanks for the ping!
Ping!
Fairness has arrived in the Peach State.
I applaud the results. But the methods that were used to obtain the results (mid-decade redistricting) left much to be desired.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.