By: Associated Press//May 6, 2011//
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State attorneys have asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Gov. Scott Walker’s contentious collective bargaining law.
Democratic Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne alleges Republican lawmakers violated Wisconsin’s open meetings law during debate on the plan. Judge Maryann Sumi has blocked the law while she considers the case. She wants briefs from both sides by the last week in May.
The state Justice Department is defending the lawmakers. In motions filed on Friday, the agency’s attorneys said the case should be thrown out because lawmakers are immune from civil actions and Sumi can’t legally interfere with the legislative process.
Ozanne filed briefs last month arguing legislative immunity applies only to private lawsuits.
The state Supreme Court is considering whether to take the case.