House State Affairs Chairman Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, was presenting the redistricting bill to his committee this morning when he got a tough question. Glancing behind him, he said, "I see the cavalry is here," and deferred to Senate President Pro-Tem Bob Geddes, R-Soda Springs, House Speaker Lawerence Denney, R-Midvale, and Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, who all had taken seats behind him, and proceeded to answer various questions from the committee.

Geddes told the panel that though "oddly shaped" districts are supposed to be avoided, "As unique as our state boundaries are and as much as I like them, it's an oddly shaped state." Many questions focused on the bill's new requirement for state highways or interstates to connect counties if they're put together in districts. Loertscher said that's intended "so we can take care of our constituents." He said, "It's not aimed at protecting anyone or that kind of nonsense." The committee voted 12-4 to send the measure, SB 1184, to the full House with a recommendation that it "do pass," after defeating a motion from Rep. Lynn Luker, R-Boise, to amend the bill, which failed, 2-14.