Quinn signs Democrats' legislative map

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn Friday signed legislation that redivides the suburbs into new districts for the Illinois General Assembly, giving the region more say in Springfield and giving some Republican incumbents fits.

The map was drawn by Democrats, so Quinn's approval was expected. Also expected is a court challenge from Republicans, who say the public didn't get enough time to review the map and the proposal doesn't treat Hispanic voters fairly.

In signing the legislation, Quinn addressed those criticisms head on.

“For the first time, the people of Illinois have been able to participate in public hearings and have their voices heard in drawing their legislative districts,” he said in a statement. “I would like to commend lawmakers for significantly increasing openness and transparency in the remap process.”

Through the map, Democrats have forced some Republicans into tough 2012 decisions. For example, Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno and freshman GOP Sen. Ron Sandack of Downers Grove live in the same new district. So they'll have to run against each other if they both want to remain in the Senate. Or one could move or abstain from the race.

And in the House, GOP Reps. Dennis Reboletti of Elmhurst, Chris Nybo of Elmhurst and Patti Bellock of Hinsdale live in the same new district.

The redrawing of political boundaries happens every 10 years to account for changes in population throughout the state. The party that draws the maps can manipulate the lines to give themselves an advantage in future elections.

The last several years, Republicans and Democrats both controlled aspects of state government, so the rights to mapdrawing came down to random chance. Last time, Democrats won mapdrawing rights, and they've ruled state government ever since.

Because of that control, Republicans didn't have a chance at the lottery.