Democrats, GOP candidate heap scorn on North Carolina's redistricting plans

[The Northerner]

The newest proposed revisions for North Carolina's congressional districts are drawing criticism from the Democrats and from a Republican congressional candidate.

"Whole counties, cities and towns are shredded by this approach," said N.C. Democratic Party Chairman David Parker in a statement.

The new maps wrongly divide up communities of interest in the Wilmington area, said a spokesman for 7th District Congressional candidate Ilario Pantano, who last year lost a close election against incumbent Democrat Mike McIntyre of Lumberton.

The maps are being redrawn to account for shifts and growth in North Carolina's population. The mapmaking also gives the political party in power - this time the Republicans - a chance to devise districts that favor its candidates.

Read more: http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2011/07/21/1109933?sac=Home