Setting the stage for a contentious debate in the legislature, Republican leadership on Friday released maps of redrawn political boundaries for the Wisconsin’s congressional and legislative districts. It’s the first time in fifty years that redistricting has occurred with a single party holding both chambers of the legislature and the governor’s office. The Legislature is expected to vote on the new maps beginning July 19 – before Senate recall elections which could conceivably put that chamber back in Democratic control. Democrats were denied money to hire a law firm to prepare their own maps, so it’s unlikely they’ll be able provide any alternative. Wisconsin gained more than 300,000 residents since 2000, and the state Constitution requires new maps after every Census.
