CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Democrats say the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear a challenge on new legislative boundaries in the state only affirms that the map meets legal criteria.

The nation's high court decided Monday not to hear an appeal from Illinois Republicans who want a Democratic-drawn legislative map thrown out. The court offered no reason.

The appeal came from Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (rah-DOHN'-yoh) and other Republicans. They say the maps were unconstitutional and gerrymandered to benefit Democrats. Lower courts threw out their complaints.