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hue's JournalFederal judges allow gerrymandering lawsuit to proceed
A group of Wisconsin Democrats can proceed with a lawsuit that challenges the last legislative redistricting plan as an example of “extreme partisan gerrymandering,” after a panel of three federal judges found that the group has met legal standards to argue its case.
The judges on Thursday declined to dismiss the lawsuit, as sought by the Republican-led state Department of Justice.
“Although we believe that plaintiffs face significant challenges in prevailing on their claims, we conclude that plaintiffs’ complaint is sufficient to state a claim upon which relief may be granted,” wrote the panel, which includes U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb, federal Circuit Judge Kenneth Ripple and Chief Judge William Griesbach, of the U.S. District Court in Milwaukee.
Ripple and Griesbach were appointed to their posts by Republican presidents...
...Still, the court said that DOJ could re-raise the issue in a later motion. The case is set for a trial before the three-judge panel in May.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/crime-and-courts/federal-judges-allow-gerrymandering-lawsuit-to-proceed/article_eaa9d0bd-52bd-5f7c-8a79-25db0614835b.html
Gov. Walker Signs Political Corruption Bills In Private
Source: GREEN BAY Progressive
Intimidated by public opposition, Gov. Scott Walker retreated behind closed doors today to sign two controversial Republican bills that dismantle the Government Accountability Board and increase special interest campaign influence in our state elections.
MADISON – Two controversial Republican bills to dismantle the Government Accountability Board and increase special interest campaign influence were quietly signed into law by Gov. Scott Walker today. Rather than signing these bills in public, Gov. Walker attempted to hide his actions by blocking media access and signing these bills behind closed doors.
The new laws eliminate Wisconsin’s non-partisan campaign and ethics oversight structure and make extensive changes to campaign finance laws to allow for more special interest coordination with political candidates.
“With mass layoffs at a five-year high, we should be focused on helping Wisconsin families rather than corrupt politicians and special interests,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “It’s disappointing that Gov. Walker and Legislative Republicans continue to undermine our state’s proud tradition of clean, open and honest government instead of focusing on ways to move Wisconsin forward.”
Read more: http://www.newiprogressive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5845%3Agov-walker-signs-political-corruption-bills-in-private&catid=38%3Athe-state-news&Itemid=56
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