Judge Nixes Illinois Term Limits, Remap Initiatives

A Cook County judge has ruled that signature-driven ballot measures calling for legislative term limits and a new political redistricting process can't appear on the November ballot.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Mary Mikva says in a Friday ruling the measures don't meet constitutional requirements to make the ballot. 

The ruling is a setback for groups advocating the measures, including one led by Republican governor candidate Bruce Rauner. He's made term limits a cornerstone of his campaign to unseat Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn.

A lawsuit challenging the measures was filed by an attorney who represents top Democratic lawmakers.  

Attorneys for the term limits advocates say they will appeal directly to the Illinois Supreme Court next week.

Another group wanted an independent commission to oversee Illinois' political map-drawing process.