From the Associated Press:
MoreThe redrawing of political district lines can be among the most arcane topics for Capitol outsiders, chock full of discussions about maps, voting populations and demographics data. But inside the Capitol, it can be among the most heated debates and the most personal, deciding someone’s political survival.
Though the upcoming redistricting session for lawmakers is still months away in early 2011, it’s already rankling legislators now, and the arguments are spilling out into the current regular session, especially in the House.
The political districts are redrawn every 10 years with the release of new census data. The Legislature decides lines for its own seats and the state’s U.S. House seats, among other elected districts. This time is expected to be particularly contentious because of post-Hurricane Katrina population shifts and because Louisiana is predicted to lose one of its seven congressional seats.
“It’s going to be the most agonizing, difficult process we’re going to go through for the remainder of the term, or at least tied up there with the budget,” said House Speaker Jim Tucker, R-Terrytown.
