Boosted by support from Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a bill to create an independent redistricting commission sailed through a Senate committee yesterday.

Currently, the parties that control the state Senate and the House of Delegates after a 10-year census get to draw district lines.

Supporters said a change in the redistricting method would increase competition seats, decrease partisan polarization and make government more accountable to the voters.

Senate Bill 38, endorsed by the Privileges and Elections Committee, however, would leave a big loophole, giving the General Assembly the final say over the boundaries of congressional and legislative districts.

Still, its outlook remains dim in the Republican-controlled House of Delegates, where leaders dismissed its chances.

"The vast majority of Virginians are much more concerned about the redistricting that determines where their children go to school," said Jeff Ryer, who is an aide to House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem. It would produce less accountability, not more, because the commissioners would not be elected, according to Ryer.

Kaine was joined by Bolling at a news conference, where both endorsed the commission idea. Former Govs. Mark R. Warner, a Democrat, and George Allen, a Republican, endorsed the concept by letter, although Allen said he disagreed with the specific legislation.

Two Democratic senators -- R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County and Janet D. Howell of Fairfax County -- and two Republican senators -- Ken Cuccinelli of Fairfax and Kenneth W. Stolle of Virginia Beach -- are sponsors.

Kaine said more competitive districts would produce greater voter participation.

The bill would set up a seven-member commission. Three members would be Democrats and three Republicans.

Those six would then appoint an independent member, not associated with either party, to serve as chairman.

The measure now goes to the full Senate, which is expected to pass it handily.

"If it gets out of the Senate with a good vote, the political dynamics will be harder [for the House] to reject," Cuccinelli said.

Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or twhitley@timesdispatch.com.