In my area, any time they do try and get rid it, both sides of our legislature say “ehhh naaahhh.” All the citizens are at least mildly annoyed (aside from those who monetarily benefit), but all the politicians want to keep it and have shown as much by their voting records. Even if they have a D next to their name a Nay is a Nay.

Also I’m not sure some of those are quite Republican strongholds, some are notably purple, despite this map’s coloring. And many actual “Republican strongholds” are not on the list, to boot.