UPDATED Tuesday, February 7, 2012--4:20p.m.
MADISON--"We have successfully entered in the senator recall data for all four senators that are being recalled,” said Ross Brown, the president of 'We the People of the Republic'. “Now the data entry process is under way for the gubernatorial recall."
Brown said they've already entered more than 700,000 signatures into their database, which they'll then independently analyze.
His group had wanted to share any findings of fraud with the GAB, but the GAB is saying no thanks. "Just like in a court, you don't allow people to just walk in and say to the court 'I've got additional evidence',” said GAB Director Kevin Kennedy. “You want to have certain procedures in place for that. These are procedures that the legislature has approved through the state statutes and the administrative code."
There is no set process for utilizing info from a non-party outside of the GAB and targeted officeholders.
Brown said they're disappointed with the GAB's decision but will be moving forward with their review and said the road doesn't stop here.
"We are in discussions with our attorneys about what our next steps will be,” said Brown. “All options are on the table whether that means going to court or one of many other things we're talking about all options at this point."
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UPDATED Tuesday, February 7, 2012 --- 10:55 a.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Leaders of two tea party groups are considering suing the Wisconsin elections board over its decision not to accept any evidence they find of fraud in petitions seeking the recall of Republican Gov. Scott Walker.
The Government Accountability Board on Tuesday agreed that the law only allowed for it to consider rejecting signatures based on evidence brought forward by its staff or the targeted office holders.
Two tea party groups had wanted to share findings of its own independent review.
Jeremy Levinson, attorney for recall organizers, says allowing the tea party groups to be a part of the process would be "ridiculous."
Larry Gamble with the Wisconsin GrandSons of Liberty tea party group says a legal challenge isn't being ruled out.
Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.
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Posted Tuesday, February 7, 2012 --- 10:05 a.m.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin's elections board has agreed not to accept independent reviews of recall petitions done by anyone other than Gov. Scott Walker and other targeted office holders and those who circulated the petitions.
The Government Accountability Board on Tuesday agreed to reject an offer made by a pair of tea party groups offering to turn over their own review of the estimated 1 million signatures submitted on the Walker recall petitions.
Board director Kevin Kennedy says there is no process in place for accepting information from outside groups and individuals.
The four targeted state senators have until Thursday to challenge signatures. Walker's challenges are due Feb. 27 and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch has until March 5.
The GAB has until March 19 to verify all of the petitions.
Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.
