A state panel on Monday approved new boundaries for Alaska’s 40 House and 20 Senate districts.
Under the plan Haines would no longer be matched with the communities of Yakutat, Cordova, Tenakee or Gustavus. Haines would now be included in house district 34, which includes Sitka and other small communities. Skagway would be included with Juneau under the plan.
The plan also requires that all the house Representatives and 19 state Senators run for re-election in 2012. Some districts after re-drawn include two legislators in the same district that would have to run against each other to determine the new district’s legislator. State Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Haines is not immediately pitted against any other legislators under the plan, unless someone chooses to run against him in 2012.
Sen. Al Kookesh, D-Angoon and Bet Stedman, R-Sitka will have to face off if both chose to run for their district seat under the new plan.
The Alaska Redistricting Board on June 13 unanimously signed an official proclamation of redistricting. However, court challenges to the plan from several interest groups are expected.