AUGUSTA, Maine — The Republicans’ plan for redrawing Maine’s two congressional districts would shift one-quarter of the state’s voters from one district to the other and would move 1st District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s hometown, North Haven, into the 2nd District.

The Democrats’ plan would move just one town, Vassalboro in Kennebec County, from the 1st District to the 2nd District. Critics said the plan protects two sitting Congressmen, both Democrats.

The two plans, which were unveiled Monday during a meeting of the state’s special commission on redistricting, essentially accomplish the same goal of making the population of each district equal, but the political parties remain literally miles apart on the specifics.

Now, the negotiating begins under a tight timeline.

Democrats and Republicans who are serving on the redistricting commission each indicated a willingness to compromise on Monday, but the parties also staked out their positions clearly.

Sen. Seth Goodall, D-Richmond, said his caucus’ biggest goal was to get the districts as close as possible in population while disrupting the fewest number of voters.

Sen. Debra Plowman, R-Hampden, said the GOP mantra was making sure the deviation between the 1st and 2nd districts was only one resident.

Whether a compromise that accomplishes both objectives can be reached by next week, the next time the commission meets, remains to be seen. If the commission, and ultimately the Maine Legislature, cannot find common ground, a decision would be left to the courts.

Reprinted with permission from the Bangor Daily News.

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