[caption id="attachment_18420" align="alignright" width="270" caption="The newly redrawn Hudson Valley district"][/caption]

Jimmy Vielkind is reporting at the Times Union's Capital Confidential blog the federal magistrate now handling the congressional redistricting process issued a draft of district lines Tues., Mar. 6, earlier than expected. The proposal announced by U.S. Magistrate Roanne Mann bunkers the Capital Region between a Hudson Valley/Catskills district and an Adirondack district. The number of districts allotted to New York is shrinking from 29 to 27. The Hudson Valley district would include Columbia, Greene, Ulster, Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie counties, as well as parts of Montgomery and Dutchess counties. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, resides in the district, which currently snakes along the Hudson River around the Capital Region’s urbanized areas to Lake Placid. The Mann proposal absorbs much of what is now Rep. Maurice Hinchey’s district; Hinchey announced he will not seek re-election next time around. Gibson released a statement through a spokesperson, Tuesday. “Congressman Gibson remains focused on serving the constituents of the 20th Congressional District and working toward his three goals of growing the economy, restoring fiscal responsibility, and protecting freedoms. Certainly, we don’t want to lose any part of our current district, but recognize there may have to be some measure of change. However, the redistricting process is one that is beyond our control. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, the Congressman will continue to work to serve the interests of Upstate New Yorkers.” Read the full post and view the maps at Capitol Confidential.