Right now it’s hard to imagine the Central Coast represented in Congress by someone other than Elton Gallegly, R-Simi Valley, or Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara.

And it’s hard to imagine Assembly districts safer than the ones won by Democrat Das Williams or Republican Jeff Gorrell.

But the day is coming when, thanks to redistricting, congressional races will be more competitive and where there may be less of an opportunity for Assembly incumbents to create family dynasties.

More competitive races will force our representatives to sharpen their messages and examine their positions. Now that’s what democracy is supposed to be all about.

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