CHICAGO – The U.S. Supreme Court refused Monday to hear an appeal from Illinois Republicans on newly drawn legislative boundaries, a move that state Democrats said affirmed that the map is fair.

The nation's high court gave no reason for declining. Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno and House Minority Leader Tom Cross filed the appeal, claiming the Democrat-drawn lines were unfair to minority groups and GOP voters. Lower courts had thrown out their complaints.

"The court's ruling today is unfortunate and disappointing in light of the valid Voting Rights Act violations contained in the Democrats' legislative map," said a joint statement from Radogno and Cross. "We had voluminous studies by respected scholars to demonstrate our position, and they unfortunately will not get to be considered in a court of law."