In a historic hearing at the Wisconsin Supreme Court, attorneys presented their opening arguments in a closely-watched case challenging the state's heavily gerrymandered legislative maps. The outcome of this case, the first major one to be heard by the court's new liberal majority, has the potential to reshape the political landscape in this swing state.

The three-hour arguments on Tuesday morning in Madison, the state capital, were filled with partisan rancor and attacks, reflecting the significance of the issue at hand. Attorneys representing 19 Democratic voters filed the lawsuit in August directly with the Supreme Court, asking the bench to declare the state's legislative maps unconstitutional and order the drawing of new maps by March.

Experts have pointed out that Wisconsin's current map is considered one of the most gerrymandered in the country. While the court is officially nonpartisan, the ideological leanings of its seven justices has become apparent. During the arguments, the three conservative justices aggressively questioned the Democratic attorneys, suggesting that the case was politically motivated due to the recent change in the court's membership.

One justice at the center of the controversy is Janet Protasiewicz, whose April victory swung control of the court to liberals. During her campaign, Protasiewicz criticized the state's maps as being unfair and rigged. Conservatives argue that this undermines her impartiality and have called for her recusal from the case. Some Republicans have even threatened to impeach her.

Tensions and infighting were evident among the justices themselves during Tuesday's proceedings, with constant interruptions and heated exchanges. The four liberal justices, including Protasiewicz, focused their questions on the criteria and rules for drawing new maps if they rule in favor of the plaintiffs.

The current map, approved by the previous conservative majority in 2021, heavily favors Republicans, who hold a significant majority in both the state Assembly and Senate. This is despite Wisconsin being a perennial battleground state, with close results in recent presidential and gubernatorial elections.

A ruling to strike down the current maps would not only affect the districts but also potentially impact decades of conservative laws in a state known for its purple politics. If new maps are ordered, it would require every member of the Legislature to run for re-election in 2024 in new districts, potentially weakening Republican control and boosting efforts to reverse conservative policies.

Underlying the tense proceedings is the political acrimony surrounding Protasiewicz's victory and her criticism of the maps. Republican lawmakers openly discussed the possibility of impeachment, but a panel advising Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has advised against it, for now. However, Vos has not ruled out impeachment if Protasiewicz rules against the current maps.

As the arguments concluded, the Wisconsin Supreme Court now faces the weighty task of determining the constitutionality of the state's legislative maps. Its decision will not only impact the immediate political landscape but also set a precedent for the future handling of gerrymandering in Wisconsin and potentially nationwide.