The Reuters headline reads "Wisconsin judge orders Capitol open to public" but the lead paragraph is more important and shows how much Gov. Scott Walker cares about our system of laws where the government is required to follow the law as interpreted by the courts even where it goes against their agenda.
Wisconsin officials said Tuesday they would not ease entry restrictions at the Capitol Building in Madison after a judge ordered there be public access during business hours.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Moeser ordered state officials on Tuesday to open access. Moeser's order was granted without a hearing and specified it would stand until the trial court is able to schedule a hearing on the matter.
Reuters didn't specify who claimed they "would not ease entry restrictions at the Capitol Building". That should be as much a focus of the story as anything else.Updated by Tomtech at Tue Mar 1, 2011, 03:04:18 PM
From Gawker:
A hearing is reportedly scheduled for 2:15 p.m. local. WisPolitics.com reports that the DOA has issued a statement on the order:
The Department of Administration today did receive a temporary injunction requiring the department to open the Wisconsin State Capitol to members of the public during business hours and when governmental matters, including hearings, are being conducted. The policies that DOA currently has in place are in compliance with this order. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. today at the Dane County Circuit Court, Branch 3, before Judge Albert.
Updated by Tomtech at Tue Mar 1, 2011, 03:13:54 PM
(Rep. Kelda Helen) Roys frustrated to see no change in Capitol policy.
Wispolitics.com:
Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, D-Madison, is venting her frustration with the continued limits on access to the Capitol.
Roys wrote on her Facebook page at about 1:15: "DOA falsely claims they are in compliance with court -- in fact they're in contempt of court. capitol is STILL locked down; even legislaors are still hampered from getting into the building."
Updated by Tomtech at Tue Mar 1, 2011, 03:27:32 PM
AP: DA: No criminal investigation into Wis. gov, Dems
(AP does not allow blockquotes)
Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne (oh-ZAN') says 14 Senate Democrats were within their right to leave state. He also stated that Gov. Scott Walker didn't break any laws by "considering" planting agitators in the crowd of protesters.
He is urging officials to comply with a the judge's order by opening the Capitol's doors.