Topeka ? Lawrence would be split between two congressional districts under proposals pushed Tuesday by Republican legislators.

But the question is: Where would the dividing line be?

One proposal would split the city along Kasold Drive, with the eastern portion remaining in the 3rd District and the western portion being placed in the 2nd District. Another would divide the city along Iowa Street.

But neither proposal could gain the approval of a majority of Republicans on a House-Senate conference committee.

Democrats say they want to keep Lawrence in the 3rd District.

But Republicans oppose that plan because it would mean splitting parts of Johnson and Wyandotte counties.

Sen. David Adkins, R-Leawood, said, “I can’t sign a (conference committee) report that divides Wyandotte and Johnson counties. It has to have them whole and in the 3rd. That is the traditional core of the district.”

The conference committee also wrestled about whether to split Geary County and several other redistricting hot spots.

Several committee members downplayed the effect of dividing communities or said divided communities would have the advantage of being represented by two congressmen.

“This is not that big of a deal,” said state Rep. Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson. “No one puts up a sign that says, ‘You’re now leaving the 2nd District and entering the 3rd District.’ It just doesn’t make that much difference.”

Every 10 years, state legislators redraw district boundaries using new federal population statistics. Rapid growth in the 3rd District means the area must give up population to the neighboring 2nd District.