December 17 2012 at 06:18 PM

Redistricting remains a national story

Redistricting remains a national story

 

Redistricting continues to be a major story at the national level, as news outlets examine the results of the Congressional elections to see how redistricting might have impacted the outcome.

 

 

The New York Times writes how redistricting helped Republicans maintain control of Congress, while pointing to Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan as states where GOP control led to the party picking up more seats than they might have otherwise. In addition, the piece mentions Illinois as an example of Democrats using redistricting to their advantage.

Mother Jones article also looks at the impact of redistricting, also noting Midwest states that sent more Republicans to Congress than perhaps the votes should have. Nationally, Democratic candidates garnered more votes than Republican candidates, but Republicans still hold a 233-195 seat advantage.

Both articles note redistricting research done by the Brennan Center for Justice.

Ballot Access News reported that this had only happened three times in history, most recently in 1952 when Democrats won more House popular votes but had an eight seat deficit in the chamber.

Read more:

New York Times: How maps helped Republicans keep an edge in the House

Mother Jones: Now that’s what I call gerrymandering

Ballot Access News: Only four US House elections over the last hundred years…

Brennan Center for Justice: Redistricting and Congressional Control Following the 2012 Election

Brennan Center for Justice: Redistricting and Congressional Control: A First Look