Tone and Undertone

Following WI Judge Sumi's reiteration of her restraining order, you would think a certain amount of conservative face-saving would be in order.

"You're wrong" shouts the WI Dane County GOP:

For those people that don’t know, the state of Wisconsin has an executive branch, a legislative branch, and a judicial branch. The executive branch has the job of carrying out the laws and setting the agenda for his administration. The legislative branch has the job of passing laws. And the judicial branch has the job of interpreting and applying the laws and ensuring their constitutionality.

By Judge Sumi’s action today, it is apparent that she has forgotten those roles and she thinks that her job is to be a member of all three branches. The Republican Party of Dane County believes it is time for the judicial branch to stop being judicial activists. If they want to legislate the laws, they need to run for political office not judicial office.

But those are words of political hacks. You expect them to be snide and petty.

But the outright defiance by those serving in government is pretty surprising:

But minutes [after Judge Sumi re-issued her restraining order], outside the court room, Assistant Attorney General Steven Means said the legislation "absolutely" is still in effect.

Last night on Maddow, WI Sec. of State suggested that the GOP might not have the votes if Act 10 is voided for the open meetings violation. Whether or not that's true - that would be perhaps the strongest possible motivator for brass knuckles tactics to get Act 10 over the finish line now.

The WI Dept of Administration is publishing new access rules for the Wisconsin capitol building again.

And the hairs are going up on the back of my neck. Judge Sumi has a hearing on the union lawsuits today, and the follow up to the open meetings lawsuit this Friday.

What are these guys up to?