"When the 112th Congress is sworn in today, only two of the new members will be from California: Former Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D) and state Senator Jeff Denham (R). This is remarkable given that 53 members of the House of Representatives--that is approximately 12% of the entire House--hail from California. To put that in perspective, more than 96 percent of California's U.S. House delegation are re-elected incumbents.
Why is there so little turnover in the House of Representatives?
In 2001, the last time California legislators drew state and federal district lines, they drew lines to accomplish one goal, to keep their jobs. Legislators drew districts that were so 'safe,' and so completely protected from competition by challengers, that in the last ten years, only one U.S. House seat has changed party hands."
Ms. Bass and Mr. Denham Go to Washington, Alone
KCET:
