Redistricting adds layer of importance to Nov. elections

The Anniston Star
May 3, 2010

MONTGOMERY - People elect legislators to serve in Montgomery and those lawmakers determine the policy and direction of the state for four years.

But every 10 years, the state lawmakers elected to the House and Senate redraw lines for congressional districts and legislative districts, often drawing them to favor incumbents or to help elect a member of their party to that seat in the next election.

The legislators who win will address a possibly dire budget situation, bingo, education and other issues, but they will also have input into which district residents throughout Alabama will be voting in.

Joe Turnham, chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, said the outcome will have a "decadelong effect."

"I think it's why it makes a 10year election cycle just so critical," Turnham said.

State Rep. Mike Hubbard, who is also chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, said "that is one of the big reasons why it is so important for us to take the majority in 2010 - because whoever holds the majority is going to have a lot to say in how the lines are drawn."

Hubbard said Republicans would not draw the districts to ensure one of their own could win or that a Democrat could not win. He said the Republicans only want fairly drawn district lines.

"If they are drawn fairly, we will come out just fine," Hubbard said.

He said some districts have been drawn "bizarre."

"It is very important that we be in control of that process or at least in more control than we have been in the past," Hubbard said.