WASHINGTON--When it comes to remapping congressional districts following the 2010 census, where Illinois will lose a seat, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn told me he will not allow a repeat of what happened after the 2000 census when the House incumbents -- Democrats and Republicans -- cut deals with other to try to create safe districts for themselves.

"I don't think it is right that the incumbent members just draw the districts as they did last time, and hand it over to the speaker of the [Illinois] House and the president of the [Illinois] Senate" for approval. "I don't think that is the way to go, that is not the way it is supposed to go. . . . So we will try to have a map that does not have so many unusual lines."

It's not clear yet where the seat will be lost -- or how the Hispanic and suburban population gains will be treated when it comes to drawing new districts. Said Quinn, "My job is to make sure it is fair and competitive."