Map Maker, Map Maker, Make Me a Map
When it comes to the new legislative maps unveiled in the Indiana General Assembly, the adage of where you sit depends on where you stand could not be truer statement.
Republicans say the maps are fair, compact and respect communities of interest. Democrats say the maps are an overreach and designed to keep the GOP in power. Regardless, the new maps are getting a lot of attention under the Statehouse.
On the Congressional level, the rorschach test shaped districts have given way to something more compact, although the north quarter of Marion County is now in the 5th District and the rest of the county is in the 7th. Fourth District Congressman Todd Rokita, who lives in Marion County, will have to move a few blocks west since the 4th District is no longer in Indianapolis. Rokita says he plans to run for re-election and has more than $375,000 in the bank to help make it happen.
A number of Indiana House members will find themselves running against each other. Three Democratic and three Republican districts have incumbents running against each other. Four will have an incumbent Republican and Democrat running against each other. And eight new districts will be created with no incumbent; which by the way as long as you were a resident for at least a year you can run for the Statehouse. The GOP also says the new maps will withstand a voting rights challenge. They may actually need it because Democratic Party chairman Dan Parker says he is leaving the option of filing suit to block the new maps on the table.
If you want to view the maps for yourself they are linked below.
Current Indiana Congressional Map.
Proposed Indiana Congressional Map.
Current Indiana State Senate Map.
Proposed Indiana State Senate Map.
To their credit, Indiana Senate Democrats put out their own map proposal.
