A conservative political group is arguing that it has a constitutional right to collaborate with candidates. On Thursday, Milwaukee County-based Citizens for Responsible Government sued the state in U.S. District Court.
“Essentially what this lawsuit is about, it’s about getting rid of all limits on what you can give to a candidate, and that’s a bad idea,” said Jay Heck with Common Cause in Wisconsin.
CRG’s suit is against Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm and the Government Accountability Board. Both are involved in the John Doe investigation into illegal coordination between Governor Scott Walker’s campaign and another group during the recall elections.
“By filing this lawsuit, they’re trying to say it’s okay to coordinate with candidates, and therefore make it look as if any coordination that may have existed . . . is perfectly fine,” said Heck.
CRG is asking the court for permission to coordinate with three politicians – a candidate for state Senate and supervisors in Vilas and Waukesha counties – but not the Walker campaign. Heck doesn’t expect a court ruling before the November 4th election.