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Evers rescinds 82 lame-duck Walker appointments

Posted at 4:42 PM, Mar 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-22 17:42:41-04

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Latest on Wisconsin Republicans’ attempt to stay an order blocking their lame-duck laws limiting the powers of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul (all times local):

4:25 p.m.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is rescinding scores of former Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s appointments after a judge invalidated their confirmation votes.

Republicans who control the state Senate confirmed 82 Walker appointments in December to ensure they would keep their jobs after Evers took office. The votes came during a lame-duck extraordinary session.

Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess ruled Thursday that the session was illegally convened and invalidated all actions lawmakers took during it.

Empowered by the ruling, Evers rescinded the appointments Friday afternoon. His spokeswoman says the positions are now considered vacant.

Some of the higher profile appointees include a pair of University of Wisconsin System regents and Ellen Nowak, chairwoman of the state Public Service Commission.

Republicans asked the 3rd District Court of Appeals on Friday morning to immediately stay Niess’ ruling. The court had not ruled as of late Friday afternoon.