Here It Is: The ‘fayetteville To The Fourth’ Map (updated)

Talk Business has obtained a copy of the much-discussed Congressional redistricting map advocated by several lawmakers, including House State Agencies Chairman Clark Hall (D-Marvell).

The House and Senate State Agencies committees will consider sending redistricting plans to each chamber for final legislative approval, part of the charge of the Arkansas General Assembly to redraw Congressional District lines after each decennial Census.

Here’s the final map – referred to as "Fayetteville to the Fourth" – that has been at the center of controversy.

You can click here to view a larger version of the map.

It appears that the map splits Crawford and Washington Counties, as well as Garland, Lincoln and White Counties. Hot Springs Village is moved into the Second District and the city of Searcy remains in the Second, too. Baxter County moves from the First to the Third District.

Of course, the biggest controversy will involve the map’s foray through Crawford County and into the greater Fayetteville area in Washington County.

Rep. Hall was limited in his comments to Talk Business, but said that he is "highly likely" to amend the provisions of the map into his redistricting bill, HB 1322 or HB 1836. He is expected to make a presentation this afternoon to the House State Agencies Committee.

The leader of the Legislative Black Caucus said earlier this week that many of his members could support a plan that moves Fayetteville from the Third District to the Fourth District.

Sen. Jake Files (R-Fort Smith) tells our content partner, The City Wire, that the “Fayetteville to the Fourth” map has gained traction because no one took it seriously.

“Like everyone else who has seen the map, we questioned it’s legitimacy. We thought it was a joke,” Files said when asked why Republicans have not done more to oppose the map. “I have a hard time seeing how anyone can look somebody in the eye and tell them this is the best we can come up with.”

Files has doubts that Hall’s proposed redistricting will carry the day when voted on by the full House and Senate.

“It’s going to be a hard sell. … I think that there are some chinks in the armor in this thing. To shove something out like this with obvious gerrymandering issues, it’s irresponsible for whoever votes for it,” Files explained. “This is not fair or equitable. we’d rather go home with nothing and let the courts decide rather than let it get out.”

UPDATE: Jason Tolbert with our content partner, The Tolbert Report, has posted video of a post-meeting interview with Chairman Rep. Clark Hall.  You can view the video here.

In House State Agencies this afternoon, two additional map plans were considered.  Rep. Andrea Lea (R-Russellville) presented a map that would have moved 4 counties and splits 2 others.  Her map is presented here.

A second alternative to Hall’s plan was presented by Rep. Duncan Baird (R-Lowell).  It moves 6 counties and splits 2 counties. You can view his map here.

Both plans were defeated along party line votes, 8-12.  The House panel is set to reconvene later today to vote on Hall’s plan.

The House State Agencies Committee passed the bill on a 11-7 vote. Rep. John Vines (D-Hot Springs) abstained and Rep. Mary Lou Slinkard (R-Bentonville) was not present.