Fair Districts a factor in Florida election results in 2012

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Redistricting and a pair of state constitutional amendments designed to remove gerrymandering from that process contributed to more competitive legislative and congressional races in Florida this year.

They also helped Democrats make some gains at the polls on Election Day.

Democrats tentatively picked up four congressional seats depending on a court challenge a close South Florida race. They also gained two state Senate seats and at least four in the House.

Incoming House Speaker Will Weatherford, a Wesley Chapel Republican who chaired the House Redistricting Committee, said it was obvious that the Fair Districts amendments had an effect.

He said he wasn't happy that redistricting cost the GOP some seats but it was the right thing to do.