Population estimates released by the Census Bureau last week suggest that the loss of population in Louisiana from Hurricane Katrina could result in the state’s losing one of its seven congressional seats, according to Election Data Services Inc., a consulting firm.
According to the analysis, 2006 population estimates would give five states – Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Utah – an additional seat each in Congress, while Texas would gain two seats. Seven states would lose seats – Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. This year, Georgia and Nevada joined the list of states that would gain seats, while Massachusetts and Louisiana joined the list of states that would lose seats.
These estimates are based on 2006 figures, not 2010 figures, which ultimately will provide the basis for Congress to allocate seats to each state. But the estimates show a general trend in population growth and its effect on the political map.
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