Fundamental Problems with Congress: Gerrymandered Safe Seats
by Civil Politics on Sep 20, 2013 | Views: 241 | Score: 4
Safely Democratic | 175 |
---|---|
Safely Republican | 211 |
Favor Democratic | 8 |
Favor Republican | 11 |
Tilt/Lean Democratic | 16 |
Tilt/Lean Republican | 10 |
Pure Toss-Up | 4 |
Sources:
rothenbergpoliticalreport.com, savvyroo.com
89% of House seats are considered safely in the hands of one party. The rest, excluding those that significantly "favor" a party, constitute only 29 seats. Coupled with district gerrymandering-- which groups like-minded ideologies, either conservatives or liberals-- these safe seats discourage members from working together, lest they be labeled too moderate and lose their seat next election.