LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — In 2008, for the first time in 44 years, red-state Nebraska awarded one of its Electoral College votes to the Democratic presidential candidate. Aghast Republican Party leaders decided they wouldn’t let it happen again.

They redrew the boundaries so the congressional district that favored Barack Obama would take in more GOP voters.

Such gerrymandering is typical throughout the country, but now a number of Republicans are joining with Democrats to back an idea that’s almost unthinkable in most of the U.S. They’re supporting a bill that would shift political map drawing to a new independent commission.

Although it could reduce Republican control, Republican Senator Bob Krist says the change could help the GOP if growth in urban and Hispanic voters eventually gives Democrats the advantage.