Wisconsin Capitol (WRN photo)
Governor Scott Walker has signed legislation that prevents someone from serving in both the state Legislature and as a county executive at the same time.
Republicans introduced the bill in response to Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris, a Democrat, running for an open state Senate seat. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) argued it was needed to prevent someone from double-dipping by drawing two taxpayer-funded salaries at the same time. Opponents, including some Republicans, labeled the measure as petty politics.
Walker has previously said he does not think it’s possible to hold both positions at the same time and do a good job.
The bill was one of 46 the governor signed into law in private at the Capitol Monday.