Court Won’t Hear Illinois Redistricting Complaint

The U.S. Supreme Court won't hear a challenge from Illinois Republicans who want a Democratic-drawn legislative map thrown out.

The high court on Monday refused to hear an appeal from Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno and other Republicans. They say the maps drawn by Democrats were gerrymandered to benefit the party and were unconstitutional. The lower courts have thrown out their complaints.

Political boundaries are redrawn every 10 years based on U.S. Census data. 

UPDATE:  Illinois Democrats say the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear a challenge on new legislative boundaries in the state only affirms that the map meets legal criteria.

The nation's high court offered no reason for its decision.

The appeal came from Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno and other Republicans.  Illinois Republican Party chairman Pat Brady says it's not surprising the Supreme Court didn't hear the matter because it takes such few cases.

A joint Monday statement from Senate Minority Leader Radogno and House Minority Leader Tom Cross says Monday's ruling is disappointing.

Challenges to the congressional map were heard by lower courts and failed.