Minn. political map case returns to federal court

A lawsuit involving Minnesota's political maps is back in federal court.

Democratic lawyers are asking a federal judge Monday to let the case proceed. It was paused earlier in the year while the Legislature tried to sort out a redistricting plan that will determine political boundaries for the next decade.

Republican attorneys oppose the effort to revive the federal case, arguing that redistricting matters must move through state court first.

The process matters because the new maps will determine how competitive congressional and legislative districts are and which party could have an advantage heading into the next election.

The GOP-led Legislature approved redistricting plans but Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed them. In all likelihood, a court panel will redraw the maps.

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

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