As you probably know, the next census will take place in 2010 with redistricting in 2011. This will include the US House as well as state legislatures.
As many of you know, several of the Democratic gains in the House in 2006 and 2008 occured in congressional districts in Pennsylvania. Republicans want those seats back and redistricting and gerrymandering will be the last refuge of a party losing power.
Pennsylvania does not appear to be growing as fast as other states out West and is projected to lose at least one congressional seat.
Redistricting after the 2010 Census will be decided by a five member commission, two members of which are appointed by the State Senate, another 2 by the State House and the fifth is likely to be appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The PA Supreme Court is currently made up of 3 democrats, 3 Republicans and one seat that is up for election in November 2009. The State Senate is Republican controlled 30 seats to 20. The Senate Majority leader is Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware Co.[city of Chester]) who is currently involved in a stand-off with Gov. Rendell over the budget. Since Arizona and Connecticut came up with budgets last week, Pennsylvania is the only US state not to have a 2009-2010 budget. Fellow DelCo Republicans on Delaware County Council have refused to talk to Seveth Congressional District Residents who first approach Congressman Sestak's office for grants, information or other kinds of help.
Dominic Pileggi's main concern as a Delco Republican is holding on to power.
The State House is narrowly controlled by Democrats 104-99. If the Democrats can hold the State House next year this will be a check on the Senate Republicans as they can appoint people to look after the PA Democrats interest. If the Democratic candidate, Jack Panella wins this November, the PA Supreme Court will be narrowly Democratic 4-3 and this can also check the Senate Republicans.
If neither happens, Joe Sestak's sucessor (if the Democrats can hold PA-7), Patrick Murphy, Allyson Schwartz, Kathy Dahlkemper, Chris carney, Paul Kanjorski and Jason Altmire face being gerrymandered out of office by the Pennsylvania Republicans. For details of what previous Republicans have done to maintain power in Dominic Pileggi's city-Chester see Ruling Suburbia by John McLarnon Ph.D., published by the University of Delaware Press. (The book is his Dissertation for a Doctorate in History).