Update: Link to the original article added, which includes a link to the resolution text.
Though this may be seen as pimping my own progressive site, this is first I have heard of this and one of the GLP writers posted it tonight...pretty big stuff to consider here:
From Greatlakesprogressive.com
Author: Bill Shatswell
Republicans Continue Assault on Democracy
While attention this week in Wisconsin's legislature has been largely focused on the anti-democratic Voter ID bill that will likely find its way to Governor Walker's desk before the pending recall elections, the Republican-held assembly has quietly introduced Assembly Joint Resolution 26 which essentially eliminates the position of Secretary of State. The position is an elected one, and has been held by Doug La Follette since 1974. So why this legislation now? Perhaps political payback to Mr. La Follette for not immediately publishing Walker's Collective Bargaining Law after it passed the now infamous special session, and that is still tied up in the courts? I can only imagine Walker's frustration, darn democracy.
Currently, the Secretary of State has four duties: (1) is in line to serve as Governor after the Lieutenant Governor; (2) keeps fair records of legislative and executive department activities; (3) is a member of the Board of Commissioner of Public Lands; and (4) keeps the great seal of Wisconsin. Under AJR 26, however: (1) the Secretary of State is replaced by the Attorney General in the succession of Governor; (2) the requirement for fair record keeping is deleted; (3) the Secretary of State is removed as a member of the Board of Commissioner of Public Lands and is replaced by the Attorney General. The State Treasurer is also removed as a member and is replaced by the Lieutenant Governor; and (4) the Secretary of State maintains the state seal, but only as determined by law.
So, if Republicans get their way Doug La Follette and the elected office of Secretary of State will cease to be the small check that it is on the dictatorial, over-reaching Fitzgerald and Walker regime. We must spread awareness of this anti-democratic act, and call the following senators to tell them to not allow the dissolution of this office and the further concentration of power.
Senator Alberta Darling, Representative Robin Vos, Senator Luther Olsen Representative Dan Meyer Senator Sheila Harsdorf Representative Dan LeMahieu SenatorJoe Leibham Representative John Nygren Senator Glenn Grothman Representative Pat Strachota Senator Randy Hopper Representative Joel Kleefisch Senator Lena Taylor Representative Tamara Grigsby Senator Robert Jauch Representative Jennifer Shilling
Now I don't want to get into the habit of cross-posting like this, but I thought this little piece was worthy.
Thoughts?