Arizona congressional districts, approved in 2012.
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The U.S. Supreme Court Thursday agreed to hear arguments in Republicans' challenge to congressional redistricting in Arizona.
Republican leaders in the state Legislature say the Independent Redistricting Commission cannot redraw congressional lines. That is a job, they say, the Constitution saves for elected officials.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on that question and on whether state lawmakers have standing to bring that issue to the court.
In 2000, Arizona voters approved the creation of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. That body, made up of two Republicans, two Democrats and chaired by an Independent, has redrawn Arizona's congressional districts twice. State lawmakers did not object the first time.
A federal appeals court had already dismissed the case but the Supreme Court is now willing to listen.
Arguments have not been scheduled before next month's election.
The redistricting commission also draws legislative boundaries. Those are being challenged in another case.
Republicans have complained for more than two years that congressional redistricting was tilted in favor of Democrats.
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