ST. PAUL  (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed Republican-drafted maps for new Minnesota congressional and legislative districts, making it likely the state's once-a-decade redistricting process will end up in the courts.

Dayton vetoed both bills Thursday. He wrote in veto letters to Republican House Speaker Kurt Zellers that he believes both plans unfairly target Democratic incumbents while protecting Republican-held seats.

Dayton also notes that he had made clear he would only sign redistricting bills that passed with bipartisan support, which was not the case with either GOP map.

If Dayton and lawmakers fail to agree on new maps, a court will ultimately step in and take over the process. This week, Minnesota Democrats asked a federal court to move ahead with a lawsuit over redistricting. Typically, the state courts get involved.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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