Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
The cavalier attitude Tea-Publicans in Wisconsin have shown for the rule of law and valid court orders has been truly disturbing. Twice now Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi has restrained the implementation of Gov. Scott Walker's so-called "budget-repair bill" and twice now Tea-Publican assistant state attorneys general and Tea-Publican legislators, "the Fabulous Fitzgerald Brothers" and others, have given the Judge the metaphorical middle-finger salute by publicly stating they would implement the law despite the Judge's lawful orders. It's teabagger tyranny in Wisconsin.
Judge Sumi held another hearing this morning, and again made her displeasure with the Tea-Publican assistant state attorney general known, "What part of 'no' do you not understand, counselor?" Judge: Wisconsin Anti-Union Law Not Validly Published, Not In Effect:
Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi issued an amended restraining order, declaring that the law has not been validly published in order to take effect — following efforts by the state Republican leadership to sidestep her earlier orders against publication by going through different agencies.
The key quote from Sumi's newly amended temporary restraining order, via The Wheeler Report:
FURTHER, based on the briefs of counsel, the uncontroverted testimony, and the evidence received at the March 29, 2011 evidentiary heaving, It is hereby DECLARED that 2011 Wisconsin Act 10 has not been published within the meaning of Wis. Stats. §§ 991.11, 35.095(1)(b) and 35.095(3)(b), and is therefore not in effect.
This followed a declaration on Wednesday by Secretary of Administration Mike Huebsch, stating that the law was still in effect, despite two different orders by Sumi to block it, and maintaining that the law was validly published and that Sumi's order did not apply to his department.
Well that settles that! These Tea-Publicans are lucky the Judge has not held them in contempt of court and ordered them to cool their heels in the Dane County Jail and imposed a fine. I know I would have.
After today's court order, Gov. Scott Walker has finally agreed to comply with the Judge's lawful orders. Walker Administration Suspends Implementation Of Anti-Union Law, After Judge's Third Order Against It:
In a major development in Wisconsin, Secretary of Administration Mike Huebsch (R) has announced that the Walker administration is suspending implementation of its new law curtailing public employee unions — after Dane County (Madison) Judge Maryann Sumi declared that the law was not validly published and thus had not taken effect, in the wake of Republican efforts to circumvent her previous orders against publication.
Late Update: The Wisconsin Democratic Party has released this statement from chairman Mike Tate:
"Perhaps Judge Sumi's third court order was the charm for Scott Walker. We are pleased that Scott Walker has finally recognized that he is not above the rule of law."