I'm glad the legislature drew a new Congressional district which includes Springfield, Champaign, and Decatur. The new 13th isn't as monstrously misshapen as the old central Illinois districts and it can be won by either party.
But, I can't understand why the legislature would change it to give Shimkus a free ride, and make it more likely that Republicans win the new 13. Shimkus was at first drawn into 13 but is now in the safely Republican, rural 15th district.
Moderates in college towns like Champaign and Bloomington aren't going to tolerate Shimkus' increasingly extremist, anti-science crusade. Having Shimkus as the Republican nominee in 13 nearly guarantees a Democratic victory. Instead, the legislature drew Tim Johnson into 13. Johnson sounds more moderate and has already won elections in Democratic Champaign/Urbana.
Why does the legislature want to keep John Shimkus in Congress and why do they want to increase the odds of the new marginally Democratic 13th district being won by a Republican? I'm baffled.