A circuit judge today reaffirmed a prior ruling that ordered Scott Walker to call for special elections in two legislative districts that have remained unrepresented for over a year. The seats became vacant when Walker tapped Republican Sen. Frank Lasee and Rep. Keith Ripp to serve in his administration. The initial ruling came from Dane County Circuit Judge Josann Reynolds, who was appointed by Walker. Reynolds ruled last week on a case brought by voters in the two districts, who argued that Walker’s failure to act had left them disenfranchised. Their judges asked Reynolds to force Walker to call the elections, and she did, ordering him to do so by Thursday.
In today’s ruling, Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess confirmed Reynolds’ decision
Critics say Walker is depriving 200,000 people of representation out of fear he might lose the seats, even though the losses would not alter Republicans’ control of either the Senate or the Assembly.