From Kathy Kiely at USA Today:
MoreDemocrats and Republicans are planning to pour at least $20 million each into November’s state legislative races that could determine which party controls about two dozen state legislative chambers. And in a case that could go to the Supreme Court, the Republican National Committee is arguing it should be able to add to the pot.
The reason for all the activity: In all but six states, legislatures have a hand in redrawing congressional boundaries after each Census — supposedly to account for population shifts, but usually with a political eye.
That’s why both parties are investing in races for state House and Senate.
“If you focus some resources you can have an impact on congressional elections for a decade,” says Ed Gillespie, a former national Republican Party chairman and co-chair of the party’s effort to win state legislatures.
