There are eight GOP incumbent House members whose seats are drawn together under the new map.
Posts published in “Redistricting”
The House third read and passed the redistricting bill — with the only changes being made in committee — in an 86-67 vote.
Ultimately, the version worked on in the House Redistricting Committee was perfected in an 84-60 vote.
An attempt to put forth a 7-1 map in favor of Republicans failed when the speaker ruled in favor of a Democrat's point of order.
The new map puts Ray County under the 6th congressional district instead of splitting it between two.
"Our biggest approach to getting things done is what we are mandated to do by the constitution."
A conservative cohort, which includes Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, prefers a 7-1 map in favor of Republicans.
"We have to figure out how we construct maps that make the most sense for Missourians."
Aside from his military service, Bill Irwin also served as a police officer in Lee's Summit for nearly two decades.
Missouri’s map would likely remain 6-2 favoring Republicans — instead of a rumored 7-1 —if the draft were approved.