Indiana to lose seat in Congress

According to the Constitution, a census must be taken every 10 years to determine how the 435 seats in the U.S. Congress are divied up. Remaining fairly stable in population, Indiana hasn't had fewer than 10 congressional seats since the 1840s. \nBut this will soon change.\nBecause of the reapportionment of congressional seats after the 2000 Census, Indiana will lose one of its 10 seats. According to a study by the Indiana Business Center at IU, 37,000 more residents would have saved the seat. \nIts loss means fewer electoral votes and less political clout in Washington.\n"The census figures will also have an effect on our federal funding, so we will be vigilant in making sure that Hoosiers get their fair share of support for essential programs," Gov. Frank O'Bannon said in a press release. \n"And, while this very likely will make reapportionment more difficult in the coming session, I am confident that the Legislature can work together in a bipartisan manner to come up with a solution that benefits all Hoosiers." \nWith rising job growth, O'Bannon said Indiana's population has risen 9.7 percent. \n"Indiana led the Midwest in the percentage of population growth," he said. "But like most of our surrounding Midwestern neighbors, we will lose a seat due to greater growth in other regions of the nation."\nIndiana's population growth trailed the 12.3 national rate, as did that of most Midwestern states. Illinois' growth slumped to 8.6 percent, and the state will also lose a seat. Michigan, which experienced 6.9 percent growth, stands to lose two seats.\nThe census shows a general population shift from the Northeast and Midwest to the Sun Belt. Arizona and Texas will each pick up two seats, as will Florida and Georgia. North Carolina will gain one.\nFederal grants and entitlements are based on population, meaning fewer federal dollars for Indiana. The smaller Congressional delegation will also mean less influence. \n"Trying to salvage a Congressional district for the Republicans or the Democrats is less important to me than making sure Indiana gets the share of the budget pie that we deserve," said State Senator Vi Simpson, D-Ellettsville. \nBut, despite the best wishes of some legislators, a partisan fight looms about redistricting.\n"It's going to cause a major battle in Indianapolis this year," said State Rep. Jerry Denbo, D-Frech Lick. "I think it will just add to the partisanship."\nDemocrats have a slight advantage in redistricting, with control of the House and the governor's office. But Republicans hold the majority in the Senate. Each has equal veto power.\nIf a deadlock is reached, redistricting will go to a special nonpartisan commission under a 1969 law. The Senate and House each appoint two members and the governor appoints one. The Democrats would thus have a 3-2 advantage. \nRepresentatives on state borders, such as Democrat Pete Visclosky and Republican John Hostettler, would be safe. Visclosky represents the 1st District at the most northwestern part of the state; Hostettler represents the 8th District, which spans the entire southwest region.\nWhile they won't be uprooted from their districts, gerrymandering could make winning reelection all the more difficult. If state legislators target Hostettler, for instance, they could add the heavily Democratic Vigo County to his district. \nGiven that he's from a district that traditionally leans Democratic, some believe Democrats might target Hostettler.\n"People of leadership pretty much said they believe the Democrats like Hostettler's seat," said State Rep. Brent Steele, R-Bedford. "They'll redraw the lines to take some of the Republicans out of it. That's what gerrymandering's all about"