Congressional map to create changes in Massachusetts

WASHINGTON – Proposed changes to U.S. House districts would create a new seat representing Cape Cod, the South Coast and the coastal sections of Plymouth County in Massachusetts, The Boston Globe reported last week.
The new map – drawn up by the state Legislature – also expands the only district in the state that has a majority of nonwhite residents, which is now represented by Michael E. Capuano of Somerville. That district will be extended from Somerville and Everett through Boston, and down to minority precincts in Milton and Randolph.
Additionally, the two western Massachusetts districts would be completely revamped, with the Berkshires represented by Springfield Democrat Richard E. Neal, The Globe said.
The move affected several incumbents, including Quincy Democrat William R. Keating, a Quincy Democrat, who told The Globe that he will move to his summer home in Cape Cod, in order to avoid running against fellow Democrat Stephen F. Lynch of south Boston.
The Globe said the changes are likely to create several primary battles for incumbents and even give Republicans a serious shot at gaining a foothold in the state’s all-Democrat congressional delegation.
Incumbent Barney Frank, will keep his base of Newton and Brookline, but lose Democratic strongholds in the New Bedford area and in Buzzards Bay communities where he posted large winning margins.
The plan must be approved before the Legislature’s session ends Nov. 16 and then signed by the governor, The Globe said. &#8226