New congressional redistricting maps released

The Republicans leading North Carolina's redistricting effort (link) take a second crack at the congressional map. (Click on images to enlarge.) The big news for Guilford County is that the 13th Congressional District is out. A persistent complaint from voters from both the Democratic and Republican parties has been that the Triad is chopped and subject to fractured representation.

Under the new plan, District 6 moves northward shedding the Southern Pines area and Randolph County, and picking up Rockingham, Surry, Stokes, Caswell and Person counties along the Virginia state line. It also goes from being one of the most Republican leaning districts to one that leans Democratic in voter registration numbers. However, past voter behavior suggests its still safe for Republican incumbent Howard Coble or any GOP successors who might follow. The proposed district was narrowly carried by Elizabeth Dole in the 2008 US Senate race, and John McCain and Pat McCrory won strong majorities of the vote in the presidential and gubernatorial races respectively.