TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Regional differences are complicating a redistricting debate in the Kansas Legislature that already is contentious because of political tensions.
State senators are reviewing proposals for redrawing their districts in committee and huddling over maps in pairs and small groups. Some Republicans want to use redistricting to maintain the GOP’s dominance, while some GOP conservatives worry about a bipartisan alliance cutting them out.
Enacting a Senate redistricting plan also is proving tricky because some rural senators are hoping to preserve their collective clout, despite population losses over the past decade.
If they’re successful, they could keep Johnson County, in the Kansas City area, from gaining a senator, though it has gained by far the most residents over the past decade.
