One Wisconsin Now Demands Republican Legislators Come Clean on Destruction of Records

MADISON, Wis. — Amid allegations and a court investigation of the possible illegal destruction of hundreds of thousands of records related to state Republicans’ redrawing of legislative districts, One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross demanded Republican legislators stop stonewalling and start delivering answers.

Ross commented, “Every single Republican legislator has a choice. They can either get to the bottom of who ordered the destruction of records and hold them accountable, or personally bear responsibility for this assault on open and transparent government in Wisconsin.”

In 2011, the GOP controlled legislature redrew Wisconsin’s legislative and congressional districts. After redistricting legislation was passed, and two districts were ordered redrawn over the disenfranchisement of minority voters, the federal court ordered a post trial investigation because they determined it was likely that improper activity occurred in destroying or withholding documents.

Ross said, “It’s way past time for Republican legislators to stand up to their leaders, come clean and start putting the public interest before their personal political interests.”

In an unprecedented step, attorneys for legislative leaders required Republican state legislators to sign gag orders to keep them from publicly discussing or disclosing any information about the redistricting process.

He concluded, “The destruction of records and misuse of taxpayer dollars is an abuse of the public trust. We deserve answers, now.”