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Florida Senate Draws Congressional Lines

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBSMiami.com) – After the 2010 census, the state of Florida was in line to gain two new Congressional districts. Monday, the Florida Senate finally released proposed districts starting next year.

The state senate's plan would add two new districts in central and north-central Florida. One new district would be in the Orlando area and be roughly 40 percent Hispanic. That means Democrats could capture the seat in Congress.

Currently, Florida has six congressional districts represented by three African-Americans and three Hispanics. All of the Hispanics in the Florida delegation are Cuban-Americans.

The other new district will be near The Villages, which is a highly conservative area with tea party activism at its roots. Republicans could offset the Democrats gain by likely cruising to victory in this district.

After the reapportionment map is approved, Florida will have 27 Congressional districts.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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