A redistricting plan working its way through the Legislature could mean a new state Senator for Kalamazoo County in 2015 and a new Congressional Representative for Battle Creek in 2013. The current 20th state Senate district includes all of Kalamazoo County and a small section of Van Buren County where state Senator Tonya Schuitmaker lives. The new map makes Kalamazoo County its own district, while Van Buren, Allegan and part of Kent County would be in a new state Senate district. Western Michigan University Political Science Professor John Clark says that district should be a good fit for Schuitmaker. He says a new district that includes only Kalamazoo County will likely make it a competitive district that both sides will pour money into.
Clark says the maps for state House and Senate and Congress appear to protect Republican incumbents. He says that's to be expected since the GOP has control of both the state House and Senate. Clark says incumbent Congressman Tim Walberg should be helped by moving Calhoun County out of the current 7th Congressional District and into the 3rd District that includes Grand Rapids.
Clark says redistricting is important in setting the parameters for future elections. But he says ultimately voters decide. Clark notes that while Republicans controlled the redistricting process after the 2000 census, Democrats were able to make gains. That included the 7th Congressional District which has included Battle Creek. It became more competitive in the latter part of the decade. Mark Schauer defeated Tim Walberg in 2008 and represented the district for two years. Walberg won the seat back in 2010.
Battle Creek Enquirer Managing Editor Eric Greene's blog on the new Congressional district.