Redistricting 'front and center' as state Legislature convenes

ATLANTA - Redistricting takes top billing today under the Gold Dome as a special session of the General Assembly gets underway.

"Job One" is redrawing state legislative and congressional districts, something that is required every 10 years following the Census.

Proposed state legislative maps released Friday show Hall County gaining three new state Representatives and one state Senator. (See earlier story.)

Battle lines have been drawn between Republicans, who are in the driver's seat this time, and Democrats, who are already complaining that the GOP is trying to reduce what power they have left. (See earlier story.)

Governor Deal tells Georgia News Network redrawing districts is always a challenge.

"Yes, it's always a little trying because you have to change your district lines and people have to get accustomed to representing different parts of the state," Deal said.

He notes Georgia is at least gaining a Congressional seat, and not losing one as some states are.

"We're fortunate, I think, that we're a state that's grown and we will get another Congressional seat," the former congressman said. "Some of my friends in other parts of the country are in states that have actually lost seats."

Deal acknowledges not everyone's going to be happy with the new maps.

"We've had growth all across the state except for parts of south Georgia."