Are my eyes going bad or are we seeing a bait-and-switch?

Here's a brainteaser for you:

What's the difference between an Ohio Republican and an Illinois Democrat?

Well, once congressional redistricting is done, the honest answer will be, "Not a heck of a lot!"

As we get a sneak-peak at the proposed new districts for Ohio's U.S. representatives, we see a map displaying odd shapes and districts growing tendrils -- reminiscent typically of Illinois' Blue State tradition of shameless gerrymandering. It's drawn in a manner that would make Salvador Dali whistle in appreciation.

It looks downright ridiculous. For those who agree, let us remember which party holds four out of the five seats on the state's 2011 apportionment board. Curiously enough, it's the same party which pledged last year a departure from business as usual.

What should be especially alarming to Allen County voters is that our two General Assemblymen, Rep. Matt Huffman and Sen. Keith Faber, were major players in the process. Announcing his promise to fast-track the new map to a vote on the Ohio House floor is Speaker William Batchelder.

I'll go out on a limb and surmise these three gentleman were not very good at Geometry in high school.

Some of you are probably lamenting this is no joking matter. You are most likely staunch Democrats.

Some of you have taken offense to my observations. You are most likely staunch Republicans.

For the rest of you, there are 14 months left to decide how best to alert the two major parties you have had enough of the games.

You have 14 months to ponder how best to do the right thing on Election Day. I am more than happy to help.