Wisconsin John Doe prosecutors are fighting back after Judge Randas recent ruling halting the investigation. They have not only
filed an appeal of his decision, but have also
asked that all of the document be released.
Since it was first revealed, the second John Doe Probe in Wisconsin has been under continuous assault attack by the RW. The first probe, focused on Scott Walkers time as Milwaukee County Executive, was met with no such response except to repeat Walkers meme that he was the son of a preacher and former Eagle Scout. That secret investigation resulted in the indictment and conviction of 6 of Scott Walkers associates, including top staff.
The second, undertaken after the 2012 recall elections, has been focused on investigating whether there was illegal coordination between campaigns and RW astroturf groups. Several of the recall campaigns and Scott Walkers own campaign have received subpoenas along with RW dark money groups like Wisconsin Club for growth. While the dark money groups can (and have) aired an avalanche of "informational" ads, they are prohibited from coordinating their efforts with campaigns.
Since federal Judge Randa halted the investigation, several groups have filed motions to have the documents released to the public. This week John Doe prosecutors joined in that request.
"The plaintiffs brought serious allegations against the Milwaukee County prosecutors, and the Milwaukee County prosecutors have responded by defending themselves," Leib wrote (Samuel Leib is the attorney representing the prosecutors). "It is now the public's First Amendment right to view the documents defendants used that is at stake."
Two unnamed people asked to intervene in the case to keep material related to them secret.
(bolding is mine) (information in italics is mine)
Those "unnamed parties" are represented by very high power legal teams, too. Hmmmm.
While John Doe Probes are secret (by state law), the several legal cases that have been brought to stop it have also been couched in secrecy which is very unusual. Plaintiffs have submitted their cases under seal and have asked that plaintiffs remain anonymous.
To me, this speaks volumes.
Not only are they engaged in unrelenting legal maneuvers to stop the investigation (which tells me that there's a whole lot they fear will be uncovered), but they are also insistent upon hiding the identities of those trying to kill the investigation.
Stay tuned. This is far from over. It's sort of fun watching the cockroaches worry and hurry when the rock they are hiding under might be picked up.
It's Friday. This space is waiting for a Friday News Dump.