House approves new map for congressional districts

by Andrew Welsh-Huggins
The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The House approved a bill yesterday to remap Ohio’s congressional districts despite last-minute concerns raised by the chairman of the Ohio Republican Party.

The vote was 71-28, with Democrats providing the necessary votes for the bill to take effect as soon as it becomes law. Without that provision, the state wouldn’t have time for a congressional primary in May and might have to resort to the costly alternative of two primaries.

Several Democrats refused to vote for the bill, saying it split communities — such as the Mahoning Valley — and diminished the influence of minorities.

A last-minute change to the bill Thursday put more of Democrat-rich inner-city Akron’s voters into a district where Democrat Tom Sawyer likely will run.

In return, that district lost parts of northern Summit County, including Cuyahoga Falls, to districts that would be sought by Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Steven LaTourette.

The changes would make Sawyer stronger in a primary challenge from Mahoning and Trumbull counties, now represented by Democrat James Traficant.

Traficant, who faces trial on federal bribery and corruption charges next month, was moved into a district expected to be sought by Democrat Ted Strickland.

Bennett said state Democratic leaders are blackmailing Republicans by threatening to withhold votes needed to put the map into effect in time for the May primary. Holding two primaries would cost an estimated $7 million.

“This is a bunch of the Democratic House and Senate leadership blackmailing Republicans, holding a gun to their heads,” Bennett said.

“You’re not going to draw a map that’s going to make everybody happy,” said House Speaker Larry Householder, a Republican from Glenford. “The fact of the matter is this map is what’s in the best interest of the state of Ohio regardless what political party you’re part of.”