Judge: Republicans banned from removing state's chief election officer

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Dane County judge has issued a temporary order banning Republican lawmakers from removing the state's top election official.

It's the latest development in the ongoing legal battle over the fate of Meagan Wolfe, the administrator of the state's elections commission.

On Friday, Dane County Judge Ann Peacock issued a temporary injunction barring Republicans from removing Wolfe or appointing a replacement.

The order also states Senate Republicans’ vote last month to fire Wolfe has no legal effect. A final decision on the lawsuit filed by Attorney General Josh Kaul has yet to be determined.

"To avoid confusion and disruption to Wisconsin’s decentralized system of election administration. Simply put, I agree with WEC that the public expects stability in its elections system and this injunction will provide stability pending the Court’s final decision," Peacock wrote.

Kaul filed the legal challenge arguing Republicans had no authority to act. Republicans' attempt to push out Wolfe stems from the fallout of the 2020 election as she's been the target of false election claims spread by former President Donald Trump.

Earlier this month, attorneys representing GOP leaders named in the lawsuit admitted in a court filing the vote to oust Wolfe was "symbolic" and acknowledged she is lawfully holding her position.