‘I’m frankly amazed’: Another judge orders Republicans to prevent destruction of records in Gableman election review – By Patrick Marley (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) / May 4, 2022
MADISON – A second judge Wednesday ordered Wisconsin Republicans to prevent the destruction of public records as they review the 2020 election at taxpayer expense.
Dane County Circuit Judge Valerie Bailey-Rihn said she was compelled to issue the order but was astonished she had to do it because the review is being overseen by former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman.
“I’m frankly amazed that I have to say don’t destroy records that are subject to an open records request or order that to occur. I think all of us know what the law is,” Bailey-Rihn said at the end of a 30-minute hearing.
She said as a former justice Gableman should know what the records law requires and has an ethical obligation to follow it. Gableman has contended he is exempt from retaining records because the lawmakers who hired him are not required to hold onto records under state law.
