Democrats are continuing calls for Governor Walker to offer details on a legal defense fund he’s established as part of an ongoing John Doe investigation in Milwaukee County.
Governor Walker has insisted he’s not the target of the probe, but Democratic Party of Wisconsin attorney Jeremy Levinson says that raises question about why it’s allowed then. Levinson says such funds can only exist in connection to a criminal investigation or if charges have been filed.
Government Accountability Board Director Kevin Kennedy says a legal defense fund is allowed for other reasons though and it can apply to a candidate or any of their agents. However, Kennedy declined to explain how the rules apply to the Walker fund because information can only be released if a candidate agrees to do so. Governor Walker has said the GAB advised his campaign on establishing the fund.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who is challenging Walker in the upcoming recall election, says the governor should make that information public. He says the GAB should be allowed to share the details of its advisory opinion on the fund’s creation.
Walker campaign spokeswoman Ciara Matthews says Democrats just think the issue “will distract voters from Governor Walker’s successful time in office.” Matthews says the requests are nothing more than “frantic political stunts.”
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:03)