Wisconsin Democrats recuse themselves from vote
Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly recused themselves during a vote on a contentious GOP proposal to reshape the state’s campaign finance laws.
The Democrats staunchly opposed the bill from the outset, arguing it would open the door for corruption and expand the influence of money in politics.
“Because the bill has a direct financial interest for myself … I feel it is necessary to recuse myself given the direct self-interest that this bill provides for members of this body,” said Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, leading the arguments.
Campaign donors would no longer be required to disclose their employer under the bill. Instead, they would be required to list their occupation. Currently, donors who give more than $200 are required to list both pieces of information.
A spokeswoman for the governor’s office said the office will review the proposal, but did not indicate whether Walker supports it as-is. A spokeswoman for Fitzgerald said the senator expects changes may be required for the bill to gain traction in the Senate.
The Assembly on Tuesday voted on party lines to pass a bill that would limit the scope of crimes that can be investigated in a John Doe probe to the most severe felonies and some violent crimes, meaning campaign finance and ethics violations could no longer be subject to a John Doe.
Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, has said the slate of bills marks “the end of clean, open and transparent government in Wisconsin.”
