The federal courts have thrown out one of the Republican party's lawsuits arguing the legality of the new congressional district map drawn by Democrats. The case was put to rest after the panel of federal judges overseeing the case dismissed the last two charges in the suit alleging that a Chicago district weakened the the Latino vote and a newly-drawn district combining Springfield and Decatur was racial gerrymandering.

One of the Republican leaders who filed the suit says they are considering an appeal.

"We will carefully review our options," Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno (41st) said in a statement. "Our goal of providing all Illinois citizens a fair opportunity to elect representatives of their choice for the next decade remains. The map crafted by the majority particularly weakens the ability of minority voters to exercise their voting rights. This opinion could further weaken their position."

Although that case won't go to trial, there is still another pending lawsuit by the Illinois Republican party challenging the congressional district map. A trial for that case took place last month and it is unclear as to when a decision will come down in that challenge.