The Electoral Map

The SideTrack reminds us that CQ has released its 2008 House landscape maps. As an alumni of National Journal, the Electoral Map won’t give CQ too much praise, but these are damn fine maps.

And if you’re looking for a great resource to supplement these maps and tell the story behind each district, the absolutely vital Almanac of American Politics has just released in 2008 edition.

Now, on to the maps. CQ has 10 district marked (in yellow) as “No Clear Favorite” They are as follows:

• AZ-01 — Rick Renzi (R) is retiring (re-elected in 2006 with 52%).
• CA-04 — John Doolittle (R) is running (re-elected in 2006 with 49%).
• FL-16 — Tim Mahoney (D) is running (elected in 2006 with 50%).
• IL-11 — Jerry Weller (R) is retiring (re-elected in 2006 with 55%).
• KS-02 — Nancy Boyda (D) is running (elected in 2006 with 51%).
• NC-08 — Robin Hayes (R) is running (re-elected in 2006 with 50%).
• NM-01 — Heather Wilson (R) is running for Senate (re-elected in 2006 with 50%).
• OH-15 — Deborah Pryce (R) is retiring (re-elected in 2006 with 50%).
• OH-16 — Ralph Regula (R) is retiring (re-elected in 2006 with 58%).

The first map is CQ’s projected landscape for 2008:

The next two maps are (1) the current landscape and (2) the 2004 presidential results by district. George W. Bush won 255 of the nation’s 435 congressional district. Sort of gives congressional Democrats reason to tack to the center, doesn’t it?