The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Oct. 12, 2023
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
We have updates on two Wisconsin stories we’ve been following, including the refusal of a State Supreme Court Justice to recuse herself from two gerrymandering cases, and attempts to remove the administrator of the state’s election board.
Justice Janet Protasiewicz was candid during her campaign in opposing partisan gerrymandering in Wisconsin, some of the most egregious in the country. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos threatened impeachment, but reportedly received advice from a former justice that impeachment should be reserved for high crimes, according to CBS 58 reporting. Vos has recently been quiet on the issue.
Two gerrymandering cases are before the court, which could unravel years of extreme partisan and racial gerrymandering, and end an almost veto-proof majority. Redrawing Wisconsin’s voting maps could also impact control of the U.S House.
Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe has so far withstood a vote by the state senate to remove her, protected by a previous state supreme court ruling allowing state officials to remain while a successor is chosen. The commission deadlocked on choosing a replacement. Wolfe’s conspiracy theory critics accuse her of influencing the 2020 election by loosening requirements for mail-in ballots nursing home residents, and allowing other pandemic accommodations. Extremist senators are now calling for Wolfe’s impeachment, according to the Capital Times. A court decision on the validity of the senate’s vote is pending.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Capital Times – Janet Protasiewicz won’t step aside on redistricting cases
CBS 58 – Former justice advises Vos against impeachment, Senate lacks votes to remove
Wisconsin Watch – Evidence lacking in GOP case against top Wisconsin election official Meagan Wolfe
WISN 12 – Senate president pushing to impeach state’s top elections chief
Capital Times – Republican lawmakers float impeaching WEC head Meagan Wolfe
Wisconsin PBS – Assembly Speaker Vos says he won’t start impeachment of top elections official amid lawsuit
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause Wisconsin, Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
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#Democracy #DemocracyNews #ElectionDeniers #FairMaps #EndGerrymandering #WisconsinPolitics