A sort of challenge/project for myself (Dakotas-involved)

[Nym90]

The weird thing is, though this is obviously a Democratic gerrymander, it would actually benefit the Republicans.

Yep. Do Pomeroy and Herseth-Sandlin both live in the eastern district? Even if not, both would have definite problems in the western district.

[Nym90]

Pomeroy lives in the west, Herseth lives in the east, an if you look at previous results and maps, both could easily win the western district.

True, though the fact that Pomeroy has had joke opponents, which would perhaps become less likely with this configuration, probably has something to do with it.

The Montana/Wyoming gerrymander would probably give the Dems a good shot at one seat. Do either of the Reps from those states live in that Obama district?

[Nym90]

Tougher challenge: Gerrymander New England to include a McCain district.

Not possible, only one county in New England McCain won. It'd be like trying to draw a McCain district in Manhattan.

It might technically be possible if you strung together enough McCain towns, but you'd probably need every town he won in all of New England. It'd be the ugliest gerrymander ever....even worse than some of those Southern districts that were hundreds of miles long and as wide as a freeway for long stretches.

Whereas McCain didn't win even a single precinct in Manhattan, so that one is literally impossible.

EDIT: Actually McCain won one precinct that had all of 3 votes. Hmm.