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Richard Piatt ReportingRichard Piatt Reporting
Republicans and Democrats are done with the latest power struggle for now.
This one was sparked by the possibility that Utah could get a fourth seat in the U-S Congress.
This is really a political deal: Mostly Republican Utah gets a fourth seat in Congress, if mostly Democrat Washington D.C. also gets a seat in Congress.
There are lots of hurdles, including the question about whether the deal is even constitutional, since the District of Columbia isn't a state.
But just in case, Utah wants to be ready: Engaging in the painfully partisan redistricting process to draw the new boundaries.
After multiple meetings, presentations, frustrations, public hearings and bad feelings: This is the final map.
It is a mix of urban and rural Utah, reflecting mostly Democrat Salt Lake City in the second district, a mix in the middle, and mostly Republican everywhere else.
Republicans could have pushed through a map that favored the G-O-P exclusively. But this time, it didn't end up that way.
Jeff Hartley, Utah Republican Party: "The majority of those who work in politics and understand how difficult it is to unseat a popular congressman, like Jim Matheson, say it's time to get the democrats a seat and let the population be represented by a democrat."
Even though there was a compromise this time, minority Democrats still want to try something different.
Rep. Jackie Biskupski (D) of Salt Lake City: "If we could get the politics out of the process I think the people of Utah would be better served. And the only way to do that is through an independent redistricting committee."
In Washington, there is pressure on both sides of getting this done. The constitutional aspect is just one sticking point.
Kirk Jowers, Hinckley Institute of Politics: "That is one more hurdle the thing is facing. It might not be constitutional. It's only a couple years until the next census. Let's not bother with it."
But Utah still has to be ready, just in case the political will--and the stars---line up.
Approval of a fourth seat would mean a special election next year.
If a primary is also necessary, the process could cost the state six million dollars.
