Vos refused to release redistricting legal contract

By: Associated Press//January 2, 2019//

Listen to this article

FILE - In this Dec. 4, 2018, file photo, State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, holds a press conference in the Assembly parlor, at the Capitol in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s election defeat is clearing the way for the state’s powerful Assembly Speaker Vos to exert even more influence. Vos is already viewed as one of the most powerful Republicans in the state, as shown by his work to pass a sweeping package of bills in a lame-duck legislative session that weaken powers of the incoming Democratic governor. (Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) — FILE – In this Dec. 4, 2018, file photo, State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, holds a press conference in the Assembly parlor, at the Capitol in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s election defeat is clearing the way for the state’s powerful Assembly Speaker Vos to exert even more influence. Vos is already viewed as one of the most powerful Republicans in the state, as shown by his work to pass a sweeping package of bills in a lame-duck legislative session that weaken powers of the incoming Democratic governor. (Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File)

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos won’t release a $850,000 contract with a legal firm helping the GOP defend legislative district boundaries.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Assembly Republicans have hired Chicago-based law firm Bartlit Beck to help defend the GOP-drawn boundaries in a long-running federal lawsuit.

Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel had been representing the state but lost in the Nov. 6 elections to Democrat Josh Kaul. Now both Kaul and the Bartlit Beck attorneys will defend the maps.

Vos spokeswoman Kit Beyer declined to release the contract to the newspaper, saying it was subject to attorney-client privilege. She declined to answer questions from the newspaper Monday.

Wisconsin Freedom of Information President Bill Lueders says he believes denial of the newspaper’s request is illegal.

Select Region or Brand

Upcoming Event