Supreme Court Refuses Illinois Appeal on Legislative Districts

The U.S. Supreme Court says it won’t hear an Illinois appeal on new legislative districts, giving no reason for its refusal.  The state’s G.O.P lawmakers say they’re disappointed.  Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno  and House Minority Leader Tom Cross allege the maps were gerrymandered to benefit Democrats and say the redistricting was unconstitutional. Lower courts have so far thrown out their complaints.

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady says he wasn’t surprised when the Court refused the case because it can only take a small number of them. Democrats say the ruling shows the maps are fair. Political boundaries are drawn every decade and are based on U.S. Census data.