PANEL RESISTS CHANGES IN REDISTRICTING PROCESS

Wayne Ortman
February 18, 2010

PIERRE, --- Lawmakers refused to adjust the legislative redistricting process, deciding Wednesday not to create a bipartisan commission to redraw the boundaries and sticking with two-member House districts.

The House State Affairs Committee rejected a proposal to create a seven-member commission of appointees to write a plan for redistricting, which occurs after every Census to account for population shifts and creates 35 legislative districts, each of which contain a nearly equal number of voters.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Bill Thompson, D-Sioux Falls, said using a commission would reduce the politics of drawing district boundaries that protect incumbents and would restore voters' confidence in the Legislature.

Opponents questioned giving the job to a commission when the Constitution gives it to lawmakers, and they said politics is inherent in the process.

Outsiders cannot do a better job than 105 lawmakers, said committee member Rep. Charles Turbiville, R-Deadwood.

But Rep. Bernie Hunhoff said the redistricting process every 10 years results in friction, bad feelings and partisanship.

Committee chair Rep. Bob Faehn, R-Watertown, said the minority party will always be unhappy with redistricting results.

The 35 legislative districts each have one senator and two House representatives.

In arguing for her bill to create single-member House districts, Rep. Peggy Gibson, D-Huron, said it would reduce voter confusion, produce candidates who better represent a smaller geographic area and perhaps lower campaign costs.

But Rep. Kristi Noem, R-Castlewood, said there are benefits to serving a large district like hers, which covers parts of five counties.