Exemplifying the discussion about the modernization of administration taking place in some federal states is the intense political debate surrounding the complete abolition of the four district governments in Lower Saxony. Their dissolution was brought up by the CDU during the state election campaign of 2002/2003 and was quickly advanced by the CDU/FDP state government after the state elections in spring 2003. With this position, the government took a tough stance and ventured into uncharted territory nationwide. Its reform plan, the complete dissolution of the district governments, represented a unique case at the state level. Throughout this study, the motives and interests that prompted the involved actors to participate in the reform will be examined.