Area Votes: Senate Approves Congressional Redistricting

Leaving it to the last minute, the state Senate Wednesday approved redistricting legislation for congressional districts by a 26-24 margin. This vote affirms a Republican plan introduced by Majority Leader Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and was approved in a mostly partisan fashion—no Democrats voted for it and only four Republicans dissented.

The bill only needs House approval and Gov. Corbett's signature to officially redraw the congressional districts in time for the 2012 election. An alternate plan offered as an amendment by Democrats was defeated earlier in day.

, Rep. James Gerlach (R-6th) stands to lose his territory entirely. While Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-7th) would see his Plymouth and Whitemarsh districts shift, and lose Conshohocken entirely. Then, Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-13) picks up territories in Plymouth and Whitemarsh, in addition to adding Conshohocken.

The House will take up the measure Tuesday, while the Senate is adjourned until Jan. 3, 2012.

• NO: Vincent Hughes (D-7), Daylin Leach (D-17)