SD redistricting fight to focus on Aberdeen area

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PIERRE (AP) — When the South Dakota Legislature holds a special session Monday to redraw the boundaries of the state's 35 legislative districts, the biggest fight likely will focus on the area around Aberdeen.

Minority Democrats say the plan recommended by Republicans appears politically motivated because it would throw five incumbent Democrats into one northeastern South Dakota district that can elect only three lawmakers.

Assistant House Democratic Leader Mitch Fargen of Flandreau says he also will propose a change in the Sioux Falls area.

House Speaker Val Rausch of Big Stone City, head of the committee that proposed the redistricting map, says the proposal is not politically motivated. He says he does not expect the Legislature to make any major changes in the proposal, but some minor changes might be approved.

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