Dems see 'setback' as swing state Supreme Court refuses to hear gerrymander case

Democrats experienced a major setback Wednesday after the Wisconsin Supreme Court said it won't listen to their challenge seeking to throw out the battleground state’s congressional district boundaries before next year's midterm election.

The liberal-controlled court didn't explain its refusal, but The Associated Press and other journalists noted the decision represented a "setback" for Democrats who had hoped the court would allow them to redraw district boundary lines in their favor as they attempt to regain control of the House next year.

Democrats have said Wisconsin's current map is an unlawful partisan gerrymander that unfairly benefits Republicans and violates the state's Constitution. They argued in court the map helped give Republican's a major advantage beginning in 2011, despite the state being battleground where Democratic candidates often receive about half the vote statewide. Republicans hold six of eight congressional seats.

In the year before Republicans redrew the maps, Democrats held a 5-3 seat advantage over Republicans. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers drew the current congressional maps, which were approved by the state Supreme Court when it leaned conservatively.