The state Supreme Court tossed out the lawsuit filed by Illinois Republicans, who challenged the new map of legislative districts. The decision was issued Thursday, June 7.
The GOP said Democrats drew the borders so the district territories would benefit Democratic candidates -- in effect, diluting the Republican vote.
State Democrats charged the lawsuit was too little, too late. The GOP waited until just six weeks before the March primary to file it.
The four Illinois Supreme Court justices elected as Democrats -- who hold the majority on the bench -- voted to dismiss the suit. The three justices elected as Republicans sided with the GOP.
In his dissenting opinion, Justice Bob Thomas wrote that Republicans deserve their day in court. He said the suit was timely, and even if it wasn't, there are no time limits in the constitution.
Thomas wrote that if the lawsuit wasn't resolved in time for this fall's election, the maps could be changed before the next one.
Republicans still have one last hope. There is one outstanding case left. It's before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Thanks to Illinois Public Radio
