Governor fires attorney in same-sex lawsuit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Gov. Scott Walker has fired the attorney who was representing the state in a lawsuit challenging Wisconsin’s domestic partner registry.

The conservative group Wisconsin Family Action alleges the registry violates the state’s ban on gay marriage because it grants same-sex couples a number of legal rights. Former Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, appointed attorney Lester Pines to defend the registry.

Pines sent a letter to Dane County Circuit Judge Daniel Moeser on Tuesday saying Walker had terminated him. Pines declined to comment on why, saying those discussions took place while the state was still his client.

Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie declined to comment on why Pines was released. He said the governor’s office is working to appoint a new attorney.