Redistricting Plan Clears Senate, Headed to Governor

A bill that would alter the state's electoral boundaries passed the Senate Tuesday, following a heated debate over whether it contained bipartisan principles.

The Republican legislative redistricting plan—introduced by State Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth)—would see the boundaries of House and Senate legislative districts redrawn. It would effectively pit 20 incumbent House members and six Senate members against one another in 2012.

State Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina) said redistricting is one of two jobs legislators have to complete before the session ends next week.

"If there are no alternatives or amendments or additional plans, then this is all we have before us and we have one week to go," Michel said. "We have one week to go before the Constitution says, 'Go home.'"

The bill passed the Senate on a 36-29 vote, following a failed motion to re-refer it to the Senate Rules and Administration Committee. State Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) moved to reconsider the plan, as she said it was "bereft of principles."

Rest suggested they consult with academics "who study elections and redistricting principles" to weigh in on the best way to handle the mandatory redistricting process.

"They can … let us know that if you adopt these principles you have a good chance of working together to come up with a plan that can be bipartisan, that can speak to integrity and fairness in the system and that can gain the signature of the governor," Rest said.

The bill is now headed to Gov. Mark Dayton, who has made it clear he will not support any redistricting bills that lack bipartisan support. Should he veto the bill, the process would once again decided by the courts. 

If approved, changes to legislative districts would be effective starting with the state primary election of 2012.