Election in 2010 could give Democrats a chance to win Grand Rapids-based congressional seat

In a region long viewed as a GOP heartland, West Michigan Democrats are quietly dreaming they could send one of their own to Congress in 2012.

And while 32 straight years of defeat might say that’s crazy, a closer look suggests it might be more than fantasy.

The scheme hinges on a couple of key assumptions: That state Democrats will gain control of redrawing congressional boundaries after next year’s elections, and the 3rd District held by Rep. Vernon Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids, will be recast to make it a swing seat, evening out differences in party strength.

In one such scenario, the district includes most of Kent and Muskegon counties. It would tilt Democratic and could send its first non-Republican to Congress since Richard VanderVeen in 1974.

“Can it be done? Yes, it can be done,“ said Ida DeHaas, Democratic chairwoman of the district. “Certainly redistricting will have a big impact on whether it’s possible.”

Whoever rules the Legislature after the 2010 vote gets to draw the lines. Democrats, with a formidable 67-43 majority in the state House, very likely will retain it. But the Michigan Senate, controlled 22-16 by the GOP, is up for grabs. All but nine current members are term-limited, and Democrats need to gain just four seats to take over.

The Senate race to watch will be in Kent County’s 29th, a battle to succeed Republican Bill Hardiman, of Kentwood, in a district that went for President Barack Obama 59 percent to 39 percent.

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/11/legislative_election_in_2010_c.html

I hope the Dems can take control of the Senate and hold the governorship. It would be nice to get redistricting that's favorable to the Dems.