Zero population growth might be a worthy goal for the planet, but we hope Massachusetts never gets to that point.



Population growth equals political clout in Congress, so it's important that commonwealth count every single soul. As the nation prepares to conduct the 2010 census, however, the numbers aren't looking good.



Northeasterners continue to flee the region for the South and West - where the climate is warmer and housing is less expensive. It's a trend analysts predict will hurt the ability of the Bay State - and other northern states - to be heard in Washington.



Officials say Massachusetts stands to lose one of its 10 congressional districts after next year's census is taken. The state's population is up a scant 2.3 percent from 2000 to 2008, compared with 8 percent nationally, and the disparity is expected to continue next year and beyond.



The potential loss of a congressional seat would be felt more keenly in Massachusetts than in other states. Members of the state's congressional delegation, all Democrats, make up one of the most powerful groups in Washington.



For example, Boston Rep. Barney Frank is chairman of the House Financial Services Committee; Springfield's U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal is a member and subcommittee chairman on the Ways and Means Committee; and John W. Olver of Amherst is a high-ranking member of the Appropriations Committee.



Without that combined clout, Massachusetts would have more trouble jockeying for federal funds to pay for programs ranging from health care to highway improvements, and from bridge construction to child care.



We applaud the efforts of the Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin and Census Bureau for developing outreach programs that stress the importance of being counted. The power of our 10-member delegation can't be discounted.



We urge the good citizens of the state to stand up and be counted when the census takers knock on the door.



A high count is critical for the health of the commonwealth.



But the we must look beyond 2010. State policy makers, business and community leaders must put their heads together to find ways to encourage growth and stop the exodus from Massachusetts.



