5 MN Judges Named To Oversee Political Map Case

ST. PAUL (AP) - A five-member judicial panel that could decide how Minnesota's political maps look for the next 10 years has been appointed.

The panel selected by Minnesota Chief Justice Lorie Gildea includes judges first put on the bench by four different governors with varied political backgrounds. Redistricting would fall to the courts if lawmakers don't arrive at a compromise plan with the governor soon.

The panel consists of Appeals Court Judge Wilhelmina Wright and District Court judges Ivy Bernhardson, James Florey, Edward Lynch and John Rodenberg.

The once-a-decade assignment of redrawing legislative and congressional boundaries coincides with population changes reflected in the census. The task can determine how competitive races are for years to come and who controls positions of power.

Lawsuits over Minnesota redistricting are pending in state and federal court.

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