Statehouse elections get new attention

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State legislatures, always the undercard of the nation's elections, are suddenly important.
The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling last month that gave states broader powers to draw the political maps defining control of Congress have added a new dimension to legislative races.

Right now, it seems that's better news for Democrats than Republicans.

"Grassroots takes on a whole new meaning when indeed you set the control of Congress," said Colorado Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, a Democrat. "Potentially, in some states, a shift of power means a shift of congressional seats."

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This fall — with a major midterm battle for Congress, 36 races for governor and polls showing a dissatisfied electorate — many strategists and observers think there's a chance for a shift among state legislatures that could give Democrats more seats and more statehouses.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060715/ap_on_el_ge/state_legislatures_elections_1