Wis. Judge OKs Extension on Legislator Recall Petitions

MADISON, Wis. — A Dane County judge is allowing election officials a few more weeks to review eight recall petitions.

The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board has 31 days after a recall petition is submitted to determine whether it has enough valid signatures. However, after petitions were turned in for five GOP state senators and three Democratic senators, election officials asked for more time.

The extension allows the elections to be held July 12. The petitions for a ninth effort were filed later, so it is not included.

A lawyer for the committees to recall two GOP senators opposed part of the extension, but Judge John Markson granted the request Friday.

The senators are being targeted for their votes for or against Gov. Scott Walker's bill that would strip most public employees of collective bargaining rights.