◆ A two-day bench trial set to determine whether the Democratic-controlled Legislature gerrymandered the 2nd Congressional District map to reduce Republican voter power wrapped up in Lovington Thursday. Judge Fred T. Van Soelen has until Friday to issue a ruling on the case.

◆ Lawmakers, legislators and experts on redistricting say one thing is certain: Whoever loses is going to appeal the case, probably to the state Supreme Court.

◆ No state court has the power to force the Legislature to convene a special session to redraw the map, but it could recommend the Legislature do so on its own or risk letting the court redraw the map.