Alternative Redistricting Plans Surface

An opponent of the "Fayetteville to the Fourth" Congressional redistricting plan is promoting an alternative map that divides several counties, but keeps major cities in existing districts. Also, State Senators prepared to make a move to push their versions of Congressional redistricting through a Senate panel.

Rep. Uvalde Lindsey (D-Fayetteville), a staunch opponent of the controversial "Fayetteville Finger" map, is floating a redistricting plan that will move most of Sebastian County into the Fourth District, but keep Fort Smith in the Third.

Lindsey said his proposal would also split Pope County while keeping Russellville in the Third District. White and Jefferson counties would also be halved with Searcy staying in the Second District and Pine Bluff remaining in the Fourth District.

Lindsey said he did not expect the plan to run unless HB 1836 by Rep. Clark Hall’s (D-Marvell) "Fayetteville to the Fourth" plan is derailed.

"It may give a different alternative look or option that might at some time come into play. It’s not a compromise plan," Lindsey tells Talk Business. You can view a larger version of the map at this link.

In the Senate State Agencies Committee, two potential Congressional redistricting bills were expected to run this afternoon.

UPDATE: Senators postponed the hearing until 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning.