Illinois House OKs Democratic Congressional Map; Quinn's Approval Expected Tuesday

SPRINGFIELD — Just days after releasing a new congressional map, House Democrats rushed Monday night to approve a revised version that tweaks a number of downstate congressional districts. 

State representatives voted 63-54 to send Senate Bill 1178 to the state Senate. 

Because Democrats control both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and the governor's mansion, they are charged with overseeing the redistricting process for legislators and congressmen. Illinois, like every other state, is redrawing its political map to reflect the changes of the 2010 census — and Illinois is losing a congressional seat. 

State Rep. Mike Fortner, R-West Chicago, said the public did not have time to review the new congressional map because it was revised two hours before lawmakers voted. However, there is no constitutional requirement that lawmakers show the map to the public. The earlier version of the map was posted online.

"Many of the incumbents on both (political) parties do in fact continue to have the core of their current districts," said House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, who shepherded the map through the House.

Downstate, this latest version of the map redraws two sitting congressmen into new districts closer to their old districts. U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-19th District, has been added into the new 15th District, which includes a large part of southern Illinois. U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-15th District, has been added to the new 13th District, which covers a large part of central Illinois.

Under the proposal, Chicago suburbs are split into a number of congressional districts. At least five different U.S. representatives would represent the collar counties. The lines are craggily and cut through a number of communities.

"We took into account communities of interests, and we certainly looked for opportunities to make sure that members of minority groups have the opportunity for full participation in the electoral process," Currie said. "But we also do look, as you know, at many other factors like political subdivisions, natural boundaries like rivers and mountains." 

Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to approve the map Tuesday.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared on Illinois Statehouse News and was written by Benjamin Yount. Lemont Patch Editor Amanda Luevano contributed to this report.