Another important race for control of redistricting

Control of the redistricting process in 2001 was split between the Democratic Legislature and Republican Gov. Gary Johnson. In June 2001, the Legislature passed a plan that would make the 1st District, held by Republican Heather Wilson, more Democratic; Johnson vetoed it. In September 2001, the Legislature passed a plan that would make the 2nd District, held by Republican Joe Skeen, more Democratic; Johnson vetoed it. Republicans took the issue to court. In January 2002, state District Judge Frank Allen, a Democrat, imposed his own plan. He said he was reluctant to make major changes, and his map shifted only 22,000 people into different districts. Democrats were disappointed; Republicans were pleased.