The Kansas Senate’s top Democrat says the easiest way to resolve congressional redistricting issues would be to move the Manhattan area into a district with western Kansas.

Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, of Topeka, said Friday he favors making as little change as possible in the outlines of the state’s four U.S. House districts.

But the 1st Congressional District of western and central Kansas is short of the ideal population of about 713,000. The district extends far enough into eastern Kansas to take in Junction City.

Manhattan officials have generally wanted the city to stay in the 2nd District with other eastern Kansas communities.

Senate Reapportionment Committee Chairman Tim Owens didn’t take a position Friday, but the Overland Park Republican said Manhattan’s status will be a key issue to resolve.