After maintaining a majority in the state House of Representatives, Republicans now have the chance to begin carving up something more than turkey after Thanksgiving weekend.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Information and Research Service, Inc. and EPIC/MRA, a Lansing-based polling firm, are co-sponsoring a two-session Michigan Redistricting Academy entitled “Mapping Michigan’s Future for the Next Decade.”

“You’ll see lines that are familiar to what we have now,” said John Truscott, spokesman for Gov. John Engler. “The changes will come from where the population has grown, which is typically in the suburbs. For the first time, I think you’ll see a pretty smooth process.

“We’ve had knock-down, drag-out fights in the past, but I think everyone is committed to making this as easy as possible.”

After the completion of the census every 10 years, political lines are redrawn within each state by whichever party is in control. The Republicans maintained their control in the state House, Senate and position of governor after this year’s election, so they will be heading the redistricting process.

Many worry that the ability of one party to take control of the redistricting may lead to an abuse of power. This may allow one party to legally maximize its control of power in certain areas until the next redistricting - such practices are called gerrymandering.

Others argue term limits will prevent any one party from maintaining a solid grip over any branch of government. The state Legislature has until next November to finalize its redistricting.

“There should be very few changes,” said Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer. “All we should have to do is tinker with the borders a little bit. There’s no need to change much.

“If a lot is changed, it probably means that someone is gerrymandering the districts.”