Illinois Republicans say the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear their appeal on the state's new legislative districts is disappointing.

A joint Monday statement from Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (rah-DOHN'-yoh) and House Minority Leader Tom Cross says Monday's ruling is disappointing.

The nation's high court gave no reason.

Radogno and Cross have said the maps were unconstitutional and gerrymandered to benefit Democrats. Lower courts threw out their complaints.

Illinois Republican Party chairman Pat Brady says it's not surprising the Supreme Court didn't hear the matter because it takes such few cases.

Democrats say the ruling affirms that the maps are fair.

Political boundaries are redrawn every decade based on U.S. Census data. Challenges to the congressional map were heard by lower courts and failed.