Democrats are proposing to reshuffle the political landscape of the 42-member state Senate by drawing new districts that could force two incumbent Republicans to run against each other in next year's election.

Democratic leaders decided late Tuesday to put off consideration of the redistricting plan in the full Senate until Wednesday. Republicans opposed the measure, contending it could strengthen Democratic control of the Senate.

Democrats hold a 27-15 majority in the Senate.

The proposal would merge two districts in southeastern New Mexico, putting Republicans Rod Adair of Roswell and William Burt of Alamogordo in the same district. The plan also pairs Democrat Dede Feldman and Republican John Ryan in one Albuquerque district.

The measure also could help several first-term Democratic incumbents by adjusting boundaries to add more Democratic-leaning voters in districts that currently have a slight GOP tilt or can swing in favor of either party.

Among the freshman lawmakers who could benefit from proposed boundary changes are Democratic Sens. John Sapien of Corrales, Stephen Fischmann of Mesilla Park and Tim Eichenberg of Albuquerque.

The proposal must clear the Judiciary Committee before it goes to the Senate floor for debate. The committee was expected to consider the measure late Tuesday. Senators huddled in closed-door meetings most of the day discussing the redistricting plan.

Sen. Kent Cravens, R-Albuquerque, didn't rule out the possibility that Democrats might agree to alter the plan to address some GOP objections.

"I'm pleased we're still talking," Cravens said.

The Rules Committee endorsed the measure Monday on a party-line vote, with only Democrats backing it.

The Legislature's task is to draw boundaries to equalize district populations as much as possible from population shifts during the past decade. The Legislature also must make certain they don't dilute the voting strength of minorities, such as Native Americans and Hispanics.

In redistricting decisions, the protection of incumbents is an ever-present factor.

However, lawmakers are proposing to consolidate districts in slower-growing areas of the state to make way for more representation on the west side of Albuquerque because of its rapid population growth during the last 10 years. When that happens, two incumbents can end up in the same districts, such as with Burt and Adair. Redistricting does not add to the total number of Senate seats, which will remain at 42.



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