GOP’s redistricting plan would split Athens County

[Auggie]

Ohio University Post / September 15th 2011

Local Democrats are criticizing state Republicans’ art skills as the GOP’s redistricting proposal comes to a vote.

Under the Republican proposal, which is set for a vote on the House floor today, Athens County (Ohio) would be split between two congressional districts as it has in the past.

All but two Athens County townships would be in the same district. The two outliers, located in the 6th Congressional District, are Carthage and Troy townships. Last year, Carthage and Troy voted for Republican candidate John Kasich, but the three townships that border them voted for Democrat Ted Strickland.

“It’s pretty apparent: Redistricting was done to negate the influence of democratic-leaning Athens County voters,” said Bill Bias, Athens County Democratic party chairman. “On the Republican side, it’s ‘mission accomplished.’ "

MORE: http://thepost.ohiou.edu/content/gop’s-redistricting-plan-would-split-athens-county

:grr: :nuke: :grr:

[AngryOldDem]

1. Former Ohioan here...

That sounds somewhat like what happened to the 3rd District in Southwest Ohio. Redistricting basically made the area GOP, taking a really good man (Tony Hall) out of the picture altogether. That seat is now held by Mike Turner, who will most likely have it until the Second Coming.

[Auggie]

2. As I understand it, Athens has been the lone Democratic county

in that part of Ohio for a while. The county seat, Athens, is home to Ohio University -- my alma mater.

WTF -- is the GOP controlling redistricting in Ohio?

[AngryOldDem]

3. Well familiar with Athens County....

Beautiful part of the state, and I wish I could claim OU as my alma mater...was accepted there but couldn't go due to lack of funds. But I digress.

Yes, I believe the GOP does control redistricting in Ohio. That was the only way they were able to take the 3rd back from Tony Hall. A majority of the 3rd now includes a lot of counties southeast of Dayton, which have been notoriously GOP for decades -- Democratic areas mainly around Dayton are now marginalized to the point of being irrelevant. And if you want to see a really screwed up GOP district, check out Boehner's 8th:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd?state=OH&district=8