W. Virginia Democratic Redistricting Easy on GOP

West Virginia’s Democratic-controlled Legislature passed a redistricting bill that made only marginal changes to the state’s congressional map, thereby potentially saving two Republican incumbents, reports Politico.

The new bill leaves the state's three congressional districts virtually unchanged. Mason County’s shift between districts marks the only notable adjustment.

A more aggressive redistricting could have endangered GOP Reps. David McKinley and Shelley Moore Capito.

But challenging these Republican districts could have backfired on the Democrats, reports Politico. If either McKinley or Capito sensed they would not be re-elected, they might seek statewide office in 2012 against Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin.

Now, McKinley and Capito will retain their Republican-friendly districts in hopes of winning additional terms.

The redistricting plan is subject to the approval of Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.