Arizona may get more competitive districts

Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Both Democrats and Republicans would have to fight harder for their Tucson seats under a new legislative map given preliminary approval Monday night.

The Independent Redistricting Commission will take a final vote next Monday on the new 30-district statewide map, drawn under a judge's order.

It grants Republicans an edge statewide but gives either major party the potential to come out on top in eight districts - including two in Tucson.

Republicans have more registered voters statewide than Democrats: 41.5 percent to 35.9 percent.

Southern Arizona would have three strong Democratic districts, one strong Republican district and the two competitive districts, compared with today's four Democratic and two Republican districts