On the heels of a costly and time consuming redistricting process, Governor Jim Hodges is calling for the creation of a State Redistricting Commission to draw redistricting plans for the South Carolina House, Senate, and Congressional districts for future reapportionments.

"This is the fourth reapportionment cycle that has resulted in wasting time and taxpayer money in court," Hodges said. "I am proposing an effective, balanced, less expensive way to draw district lines. We need to take politicians out of the process."

The commission would consist of nine members: two appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate; two appointed by the Senate Minority Leader; two appointed by the Speaker of the House; and two by the Minority Leader of the House. The ninth member of the commission would serve as the chair and would be selected by the eight members listed above. If the eight legislative appointed members cannot agree on the ninth member, the chief justice of the state supreme court shall make the appointment. No member of the commission may be an elected official. Candidates for a legislative or congressional seat for two years following the completion of redistricting.

"I am asking members of the General Assembly to put partisanship aside and support my proposal," Hodges said. "Representation in government is too important for partisan games."

Legislation is being drafted and will be introduced this session to create the commission.