Legislature OKs 4th district map

As expected, Utah lawmakers Monday adopted a new four-seat U.S. House redistricting plan, but only after a few legislators tried to carve up the map with eyes toward running for Congress or shoring up their own legislative seats.

With Utah's action, all depends on Congress. But legislation giving Utah and Washington, D.C., each a new voting U.S. House seat is not on the House calendar for the four-day lame-duck session that adjourns Friday.

"I believe it is an uphill battle, but Utah is not standing in the way," said Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. will "absolutely" sign the new four-seat law, his spokesman, Mike Mower, said.

Should Congress not act this week, Utah leaders said the state will still be ready with a better four-seat option when — or if — Congress gives the state another seat before the 2010 census.

But hope springs eternal, especially in politics.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, a Democratic delegate who represents the District of Columbia in the House, said giving up on the bill is not an option and Monday's action by the Utah Legislature will help push the bill along.

"Utah has shown that the state wants this vote this week as much as D.C. does," Norton said. "My Republican and Democratic congressional allies and D.C. residents alike are further energized to do what it takes as Utah passes the baton to us to run this race to the finish line and pass this bill before Congress adjourns this week."

Ilir Zherka, executive director of DC Vote, an advocacy group for voting rights for DC residents, said the bill could to the House floor without going through the committee, saving precious time.

In Utah, the bill passed with bipartisan support even though some lawmakers grumbled about behind-the-scenes wrangling to draw boundaries favorable to certain congressional or legislative candidates.

Sen. Ed Mayne, D-West Valley, for example, had tried to get his hometown completely into the new 4th District, so he could run for an open congressional seat in the future. But his house stayed several blocks within the 2nd District.

Mayne, head of the Utah AFL-CIO, said he is still seriously thinking about a run for Congress. That could mean a move, into the 4th District, or running in the 4th District while living just outside the boundary (which is legal) or challenging the lone Utah Democrat in Congress, Rep. Jim Matheson, in the 2nd District.

"I really wanted to be in the new district. I think I could win that," Mayne said, noting he would be able to raise a lot money for the race through his union ties. "I'm going to be a threat in any district if I choose to run."