New Congressional Map Clears Ohio House

A newly drawn congressional map has cleared the Republican-controlled Ohio House despite claims from most Democrats that the measure unfairly benefits the GOP. The proposal passed Thursday on a 56-36 vote, with several Democrats voting in favor. It now goes to the Republican-controlled state Senate. The once-a-decade redistricting process happens after each census when U.S. House district lines are drawn to reflect population changes. The new lines proposed by Republicans reflect the loss of two Ohio districts. Democrats claim the Ohio House has moved too quickly on the legislation establishing the new boundaries. Many also say the GOP-controlled redistricting committee abused its power by crafting districts Republicans can easily retain. The proposed U.S. House districts will affect Ohio congressional politics for the next decade. Among other features, they would force six incumbents to vie for three seats.