Midwest biggest loser in 2010 Census

Three of five Midwest Democracy Network states are projected to lose congressional seats after this year’s census, according to a recent study.

The Election Data Services, Inc. is projecting both Illinois and Michigan will lose a single seat and Ohio will lose two seats.

John J. Cullerton, the State Senate president, sent a letter to state Democrats that by helping elect a Democratic governor their voices and seats would be kept in Washington, according to The New York Times.

Democrats will need to win this year’s gubernatorial race to keep control of the redistricting process as well. Republicans are hoping they can take control of the Ohio House if the state does lose two seats.

“Currently, Democrats hold sway with a 10-8 advantage in the Ohio congressional delegation,” writes The Columbus Dispatch, “but with at least three or four Ohio congressional Democratic incumbents under significant fire this election and reapportionment looming, that advantage could swing decisively to the GOP.”

Minnesota was originally projected to lose a seat, but is now projected to keep it while Missouri has now become the odd-man-out, according to The Washington Post.

 “When you think about losing six seats this time around,” said state demographer of Minnesota Tom Gillaspy, “that’s stark.”

The reapportionment process will begin after the US Census numbers are released.

Articles

Minnesota could maintain its eight U.S. House seats after all - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Missouri, Illinois will lose one congressional seat - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Study: State will lose one House seat - The Niles Star