Democrats plan to oppose an effort to delay recall elections against Governor Walker and other Republicans.
The Government Accountability Board could approve a plan today that would ask a judge for two extra weeks to review recall petitions and order elections. Attorney Jeremy Levinson, who represents recall organizers, says it’s completely unjustified. Levinson says pushing off the date “will completely change the character of the election.”
Levinson says the extension would put a general election on June 12th, meaning many voters with school-aged children might not be around because school will be out. If the GAB goes to court later this week to request a two week delay, he says they will oppose the move.
AUDIO: Jeremy Levinson (:15)
GAB staff says the agency will be unable to complete its review of the petitions before March 30th. Levinson says the agency is getting caught up in efforts to check everything, when all they should be doing is making sure enough valid signatures were turned in.
The GAB has also raised concerns about sticking with the March 19th deadline or delaying elections by one week. With the original date, primary elections will conflict with the April 3rd elections. While a one week delay would create a general election conflict with the Memorial Day holiday.
Republicans took no position on the delay, only saying all elections should be held on the same date. Governor Walker, Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, and four Republican state senators are targeted by recalls.
Also today, the GAB is expected to certify recall petitions against state Senators Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau), Pam Galloway (R-Wausau), Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) and Van Wanggaard (R-Racine). A memo released on Friday advises the board to reject most of the challenges brought by the candidates. If the board agrees, the petitions will have enough valid signatures on them to be approved.