TVW co-founder Denny Heck must be big smiles following release of new congressional maps for Washington state. The new 10th Congressional District includes Democratic-leaning Olympia and Heck's neighborhood.

In 2010, the former state legislator running in the 3rd District was one of the most knowledgeable congressional candidates we interviewed, but he lost. Now, a Heck-for-Congress message was dispatched about 42 seconds after the bipartisan redistricting commission maps were released Wednesday. Of course, the 10th is open to any Republican — and there will be solid contenders — but the new district tilts Democratic.

The extra seat translates to enhanced clout for our state in Washington, D.C.

New boundaries mean the state likely moves from a five-four Democratic edge over Republicans to a five-four Democratic advantage plus one wide-open swing district — the newly drawn 1st District. The 1st is currently represented by Democrat Jay Inslee, who is departing to run for governor. The population breakdown will be 39 percent King County residents, 38 percent from Snohomish County and 23 percent from Skagit and Whatcom counties.

The very good news is voters in this area can pick a fresh face in 2012 and that should belong to a moderate Democrat or Republican. A careful look at maps and past voting behavior suggests this is not suited for a harsh partisan of any stripe. Congress needs more moderate players who can compromise and get things done.

One fascinating, positive development is the new "majority-minority district," the 9th, which combines Seattle's Central District, parts of Beacon Hill, Southeast Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue, South King County and northeast Tacoma. More than half of the district's constituents will belong to a racial or ethnic minority.

Rep. Adam Smith, the congressman from the 9th, has a good shot at re-election — and he should. He is smart, moderate and hardworking. Of all districts drawn, this is the most tortured, but the commission wisely listened to supportive testimony and empowered communities of color, ensuring their issues will be addressed.

In the 8th District, Republican incumbent Dave Reichert, who often begins running for a new term weeks after each election, is exhaling comfortably — not necessarily a good thing. New maps mean he will need to campaign but instead of running for his life every two years, he is assured that his new district not only includes eastern King and Pierce counties, where he does well, but reaches across the Cascade Mountains to Republican strongholds of Kittitas and Chelan counties. Note to Reichert: These counties are just as important as west-side constituents.

Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen is similarly shored up in a reconstituted 2nd District, drawn to be more urban/suburban and better ensure his re-election. Larsen nearly lost in 2010 to longtime nemesis John Koster, who wasted no time announcing he will run in the neighboring 1st District.

The commission was all about protecting incumbents. In that sense, the work is predictable and unimaginative, especially regarding Larsen and Reichert, both weak for different reasons. With Congress so dysfunctional, who says the best idea is a return of the same players?

Republicans take comfort in the 3rd District, which also will stretch across the mountains and become more favorable for the GOP. Freshman Rep Jaime Herrera Beutler, who distinguished herself by breaking with House Speaker John Boehner's kamikaze mission on the payroll-tax break, looks stronger for re-election.

The commission ultimately did an evenhanded job of splitting the spoils among both parties. Voters have their say next.