John Doe prosecutor asks court to overturn ruling

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A prosecutor has asked a state appeals court to overturn a ruling in a secret John Doe investigation that’s reportedly focused on fundraising by Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign and other conservative groups.

Gregory A. Peterson, an Eau Claire County judge, decided in January to quash subpoenas and order the return of property to the probe’s targets. The Wall Street Journal reported the judge ruled some of the subpoenas don’t show any probable cause that the targets committed any violations of campaign finance laws. His actual ruling remains under seal.

The 4th District Court of Appeals released an order Thursday indicating Francis Schmitz, the special prosecutor heading the investigation, has asked the court to overturn Peterson’s decision. It offered no other details.