Redistricting Plan Approved

    PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota lawmakers have approved a plan
to redraw the boundaries of the state's 35 legislative voting
districts.
     The measure passed 50-18 in the House and 31-4 in the Senate on
mostly party-line votes. Members of the Democratic minority said
many districts appeared drawn to favor Republican candidates, while
Republicans said the plan is fair.
     The debate in both chambers focused on Democratic plans to
change districts in northeastern South Dakota, Sioux Falls and
Rapid City.
     Democrats sought changes in the northeastern corner of the state
because the Republican plan throws five incumbent Democrats into
one district that could only elect three lawmakers. Republicans
said the Democratic proposal would unnecessarily split a county
into two districts.
     The Republican majority rejected all changes proposed by
Democrats.