District boundaries will determine political landscape for the next 10 years

To understand the importance of U.S. census data, think in terms of money, votes and political power. All three are linked to the nation's census. Population figures determine which states get how much of the $200 billion in aid the federal government distributes each year; these same figures determine how district lines are drawn for congressional, state and local elections, which, in turn, determine political power.

"This is a low-profile event for most people. But in terms of importance of outcome for who controls the House of Representatives, it is very important," James Thurber, director of American University's Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, told USA Today in December 2000, shortly before the Census Bureau released its results from the 2000 count. "Both sides try to maximize their gains and marginalize the opponent by putting all the opponent's projected support into one district."

Although apportionment data--the number of congressional seats allotted to each state--is already known, the process of redistricting will officially begin in April when the certified census data is delivered to state governors and legislatures. In most states with FPE/AFT affiliates, such as Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New York and Wisconsin, control over the redistricting process is split between Democrats and Republicans.

Despite the appearances of a "split process," there is no doubt battles will be waged between the parties, especially in states losing congressional seats. In Illinois, which is losing one congressional seat, for example, Republicans want to eliminate a Democratic seat in Chicago, while Democrats hope to use redistricting to target either Republican Rep. John Shimkus, who holds the west central Illinois seat, or freshman Republican Rep. Mark Kirk, who holds a suburban Chicago seat.

In Wisconsin, which is losing one congressional seat, it is public knowledge that Republicans want to redraw the 2nd Congressional District, which includes Madison, to help their candidate, John Sharpless, in a 2002 rematch against Democratic incumbent Rep. Tammy Baldwin.

Bob Beglinger, president of the AFT's Wisconsin Federation of Teachers, says Baldwin's seat is "tremendously important." The state federation also will be watching the redistricting process as it affects Milwaukee, he says.

Redistricting is "a very inside game," influenced by the makeup of state legislatures, former Clinton White House chief of staff Harold Ickes told AFT vice presidents during the February executive council meeting in Miami, noting that it is critical and it is done behind closed doors.

Currently, 17 states are controlled in both houses by Democrats, 16 states by Republicans and 17 states have split control.

"The ramifications of this process are far reaching," says FPE/AFT department director Steve Porter. "Redistricting will have a major impact upon the shape of public policy, the delivery of government services and the jobs of public employees. It further demonstrates the need for effective political action programs to deal with the issues facing our members."