Minnesota key to national parties’ redistricting hopes

The national political parties’ hopes for gains in the 2010 redistricting cycle ride on races for governor in six states, including Minnesota. The Fix calls the state a “major Democratic opportunity.”

Despite a crowded field seeking to replace the retiring Gov. Tim Pawlenty in 2010, writes the Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza, “Democrats have to like their chances given the lean of the state where President Obama won by 10 points in 2008.”

Control of state government is key to the parties’ fortunes as new congressional districts get drawn.

State demographers renewed their warning last week that Minnesota is “on the cusp” of losing a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Polidata projects Minnesota will indeed be one of 10 states losing House seats (pdf).

The Sixth Congressional District now held by Rep. Michele Bachmann, has been identified as a leading contender for elimination due in part to the irregular shape of its boundaries.