Because people seem to be fleeing Ohio (or at least not moving there), the state is expected to lose two congressional seats during the upcoming redistricting process. The Republican-controlled Apportionment Board charged with redrawing the lines appears poised to eliminate one Republican seat and one Democratic seat (Dennis Kucinich’s).
As you may recall, just a few weeks ago, rumors were swirling that Speaker John Boehner and his allies were planning to use the process to oust Rep. Jim Jordan as revenge for his publicly opposing Boehner’s debt ceiling increase.
But as the Columbus Dispatch reported last week: “Republicans appear to be increasingly considering a congressional redistricting scenario that would pit Reps. Mike Turner and Steve Austria against one another in the 2012 primary election.”
It’s too early to say what exactly will happen. The final deadline for redrawing the lines isn’t up until October 5. But if the latest report holds true, it mean that two moderate-leaning Republicans will face off — while five Freshmen Republicans (and the recalcitrant Jim Jordan) — will be saved.
Score another victory for the tea party?