Republicans Gain Edge in Redistricting

The GOP has gained the edge in redrawing congressional district maps for the next ten years -- thanks to Republican victories in statehouses across the United States last week, according to a USAToday report. Last week's elections brought more than 60 new Republican House members to Washington.

By controlling most states earmarked to gain or lose congressional seats after the 2010 Census, "We can make sure that the Democrats don't take from us tomorrow what we fought so hard for today," Republican Governors Association Chairman Haley Barbour said.

"It's an embarrassment of riches for Republicans," said Michael McDonald, a political scientist at George Mason University. "They won almost every race they could win. Now there's going to be the tension within the party between those who want to protect their seats and those who want to expand the majority."