South Projected to Gain Congressional Clout

The Associated Press reports on the political ramifications of the South's rapid population growth. North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas are all projected to gain at least one seat in The U.S. House following the 2010 Census.

The power shift would continue a long-term trend and has been predicted for years. But the latest population estimates provide the clearest picture yet of the likely winners and losers.

Depending on what happens in the next few years, Texas could gain as many as four additional seats, according to projections from Election Data Services and Polidata, another national consulting firm. Florida could pick up two, while Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina could add one each. Louisiana remains in danger of dropping a seat after population losses from Hurricane Katrina.

While Southern States and their Congressional Representatives tend to be more conservative, the region's growth does not automatically assure a larger number of conservative representatives in Washington. Because of the nature of the growth (from immigration, the North East, and Midwest) the redistricting battles in Southern legislatures should be heated and partisan.