Local Districts Would Change in Proposed House, Senate Boundaries

Local representation in the state House and Senate could change if Democratic plans to redraw district boundaries hold up.

According to Illinois Statehouse News, states are required to redraw district maps every 10 years to reflect population shifts. Lawmakers are using 2010 census data for this task.

Currently, Darien is represented by Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) in the 41st state Senate district. In the redrawing, Radogno and other Republicans have been moved into districts with other senators that could result in inter-party clashes in 2012.

Radogno's district currently covers a majority of Darien, Homer Glen, Lemont and New Lenox, as well as portions of Downers Grove and Orland Park. Under the remapping proposal, her district would shift north while Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest) would see her 19th district extend west to cover Frankfort and New Lenox.

The GOP leader could be headed to a showdown with Sen. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) unless one of them moves to another district. Meanwhile, Crotty could face more challenges in a re-election bid down the road if a more conservative challenger from the Lincoln-Way area steps up.

Radogno spokeswoman Patty Schuh said the senator isn't sweating the plans just yet.

"We certainly anticipate there to be some changes," she said. "In hearings across the state, community leaders asked for the map to be drawn not for partisan politics but for fair and accurate representation. But there are numerous republican legislators lumped in together."

State Rep. Renee Kosel (R-New Lenox) represents the 81st district, but that boundary would move north to cover some of Darien, Romeoville and Bolingbrook. The new lines would split Darien between the 81st and 82nd districts. State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) currently represents the 82nd district. 

For more information, go to the Senate Democrats' redistricting website or the House redistricting website.