New boundaries on tap for Minn. seats in Congress

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Republicans are out with a new-look playing field for Minnesota’s eight seats in the U.S. House that could give a freshman GOPer an easier path to re-election.

First-term Rep. Chip Cravaack (cruh-VACK’) would lose most of his Democratic-leaning turf and gain some Republican-friendly geography. The northern one-third of the state would be rolled into a single district, with veteran Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson as the incumbent.

The redistricting process appears certain to land in the courts. Republicans are in charge of the Legislature, but Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has said he will only sign redistricting plans with broad bipartisan support.

The state congressional delegation is currently split at four seats apiece for Republicans and Democrats.

The GOP map preserves distinct districts for Minneapolis and St. Paul.