GOP Opens New Front In Minn. Political Map Case

ST. PAUL (AP) - A court fight over how Minnesota's new political maps get drawn has a new front.

Several Republicans on Friday filed a case in state court to go along with one Democrats put in motion this month in federal court. They both involve the process of crafting new political boundaries for Congress and the Legislature based on population changes shown by the census.

The Republicans also sought to intervene as plaintiffs in the federal case. Three judges have been assigned to hear that case.

Every 10 years political maps are redone. It matters because resulting districts can give one party a distinct advantage. It also can affect which party holds legislative majorities and sets the policy agenda.

Both Democrats and Republicans argue the existing maps are outdated and therefore invalid.

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