October 29, 2011

Wisconsin Republicans find another law to break

"Whether or not it's legal, it's certainly cheating."

Classic bit of chicanery from the Most Honorable Party in Power.

So now Wisconsin Republicans, who initially wanted their ludicrously partisan electoral redistricting plan first implemented with the general election on November 6, 2012,* not only want to revise the date of implementation to immediately, they just want to revise that date for the Senate, and not the Assembly. But according to the Wisconsin statutes, "This state is divided into 33 senate districts, each composed of 3 assembly districts." In other words, you can't have a Senate district without the three Assembly districts. These people are out of control.

Quashing their lust after power is exactly what recall elections are for.

This is the committee that is meeting at 1 p.m. on Hallowe'en to discuss these issues. I think Sen. Erpenbach has a real opportunity to shine here.

And then a good shot at beating Walker.

* The Legislature enacted legislation reapportioning the legislative districts and members, 2011 Wisconsin Act 43, as required by the state constitution. Wis. Const. art. IV, § 3. The legislation was signed by the Governor and published on August 23, 2011. Unless specified in the legislation, every act is effective on the day following publication. WIS. STAT. § 991.11. However, 2011 Wisconsin Act 43 specifically provided for the initial applicability of the act for certain purposes. The Act "first applies, with respect to regular elections, to offices filled at the 2012 general election." 2011 Wis. Act 43, § 10 (1). In addition, the Act "first applies, with respect to special or recall elections, to offices filled or contested concurrently with the 2012 general election." 2011 Wis. Act § 10 (2). — GAB Subject: legislative redistricting, Effective date of.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this blog. I visit it several times a day and regularly am shocked and dismayed to learn of (but relieved to have found out about) the latest dirty tricks of the Republicans.

illusory tenant said...

Thanks. This latest stunt is pretty clearly illegal.

CJ said...

Illegsl, yes. But they've got the chops to changed the statute and have their henchmen (Supreme Court) back it up. Like they give a rip about a law anyway... phtttt!

What bothers me most is why you rarely read about this in mainstream news.

Anonymous said...

Wasn't Mary Lazich named the worst Senator in the delegation by Milwaukee magazine?

illusory tenant said...

One of the worst.