Wisconsin redistricting trial set to wrap up

MADISON — A federal trial to help decide whether Wisconsin Assembly district boundaries Republicans redrew five years discriminate against Democrats is set to wrap up.

A group of voters who support Democrats sued last year alleging new districts Republican lawmakers created in 2011 marginalize Democrats and consolidate GOP power. State attorneys counter that partisanship is part of redistricting and the boundaries reflect demographic shifts.

The trial began Tuesday in front of a three-judge panel. Testimony is scheduled to conclude Friday. State attorneys began the day by calling Sean Trende, an elections analyst for the Real Clear Politics website. He testified that his research shows Wisconsin has been trending more Republican since 1996.

The judges almost certainly won't rule from the bench; they'll likely issue a written decision weeks or months from now.