Plan For Revamped Minnesota Congressional Map Advances

ST. PAUL  (AP) - A Republican-drafted plan to revamp Minnesota's eight congressional districts has moved through a state House committee.

The proposal was approved by the House Redistricting Committee on a 7-5 party-line vote Tuesday after being made public the day before. It contains substantial changes to two districts covering the northern and central parts of the state.

The remake comes after the 2010 census documented population shifts that made some districts far more populous than others. If enacted, Republicans would have the upper hand in four districts, Democrats would run strongest in three and one would be considered a swing district.

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton insists any redistricting proposal have bipartisan support to get his signature. If the Legislature and Dayton don't agree on new political maps, the courts would take over.

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