CLICK TO ENLARGE: The map, deemed the 'Grand Compromise,' applies significant changes to the state's urban areas. (Photo/House redistricting committee)
– Both houses of the Missouri legislature moved this week to pass a compromise map laying out the new congressional districts. Movement had been stalled in the Senate, where southeast Missouri Republicans disagreed with the former proposal.
“We were committed to a redistricting process that was open and transparent,” said Sen. Scott T. Rupp, R-St. Charles County, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting. “By staying true to this process, we crafted a map that both Republicans and Democrats voted yes for because it appropriately and fairly represents Missouri’s citizens.”
The map was approved 96-55 in the State House (13 short of being veto-proof), and 27-7 in the Senate. Two Republicans voted against the map.
“Because we are losing a voice in Congress, it was an especially difficult task to accomplish this year,” said Senate Majority Leader Rob Mayer. “I trusted Sen. Rupp’s leadership, preparation and knowledge. His actions led our legislature to draw new district lines that are above board and best represent Missourians.”
Missouri is losing one seat in the process, and the biggest changes are in the Kansas City and St. Louis region, where Democrats currently hold seats. Rep. Russ Carnahan, one of the St. Louis Democrats, said the “partisan” and “gerrymandered” plan will have hard time getting through the veto process.
“The real headline is that the House fell FAR short of the 109 votes they needed in order to override a gubernatorial veto,” said a Carnahan spokesperson. “[T]he map heads to Governor Nixon’s desk. If he vetoes this gerrymandered, 6-2 map, the Republican State House does not have the votes to override.”
A spokesman for Governor Jay Nixon, D., said when they receive the redistricting proposal, they will review it.
Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, who feared her district was at risk of becoming more urban, said the compromise deal was okay with her.
“Although there continues to be hurdles before this map becomes law I truly believe that the map protects the interests of the current 8th District,” Emerson said in a statement Wednesday night. “I will continue to work with all parties involved to ensure that the elected representatives, not judges, have the final say in this process.”
The Missouri Republican party praised GOP leaders in both Houses, and urged the Governor to move the plan forward.
“This evening, the Missouri General Assembly fulfilled one of the most important constitutional responsibilities that exists in this state—coming to a bipartisan agreement on a reapportionment solution that fairly and adequately represents the people of Missouri,” said Lloyd Smith, executive director of MOGOP. “We urge Governor Nixon to sign this bill quickly to give Missourians certainty about their future representation in Congress.”
Missouri’s population actually grew by seven percent, but growth in other states caused Missouri to lose a seat.
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