While Democrats were meeting this week in L-A, a state committee met to begin a process that will have a big impact on future elections. The Legislative Council’s Redistricting Committee is charged with overseeing the redrawing of the lines that designate political districts. State Senator Joann Johnson, the chair of the committee, says it’s all done based on the population figures from the latest census. She says many lawmakers will find themselves in new territory in 2001 when the districts are redrawn.Johnson, a republican from Adel, says the district lines are actually drawn up by the non-partisan legislative fiscal bureau. The final plan will be voted on by the legislature just like a regular bill. It is then sent to the governor.She says the governor can veto the plan just like a regular bill. If the governor vetoes the plan they can bring up two others before the issue goes to the Supreme Court. The Court would then draw the lines.Johnson says the Legislative Fiscal Bureau won’t be able to draw the new district lines until it gets the 2000 Census results April 1st. She says the state legislature may have to hold a special session to approve the plan.
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