House OKs redesign for Minn. congressional lines
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The Minnesota House has approved new boundaries for the state's eight congressional districts, to reflect recent population shifts.
Republicans passed the redistricting measure today by a vote of 71-61. Democrats argued the map was overly partisan and received insufficient public input.
"If you want a plan that fails to consider any public input, ... that's drawn to favor Republicans about 75 percent of the time, this is your map," said Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park.
But Rep. Sarah Anderson, R-Plymouth, said she reached out to the DFL and never received any suggestions or an alternative plan.
"It is awfully difficult for us as a legislative body to say 'hey, we want something different,' if there is no alternative to look at, and that is all I'm asking for," Anderson said. "If you've got ideas, if you've got suggestions, you need to talk to me. We had four months for that opportunity, and that never happened."
DFL Gov. Mark Dayton insists any redistricting proposal have bipartisan support to get his signature. If Dayton and the Legislature can't agree on a new map by early next year, the issue will move to the courts.
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