Wisconsin's elections chief would like to see the anticipated recall elections against Gov. Scott Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and four Republican lawmakers scheduled for June 12. The primary, under that scenario, would be May 15.
Kennedy Kennedy, director of Government Accountability Board, said in a memo (PDF) to his board that the agency needed a two-week extension to review all the recall petitions, which number around 2 million. The GAB had already been granted an extension and was expected to finish its review by March 17.
But Kennedy said the agency needed more time to finish its "careful examination" of the recall petitions. He also said that all six possible elections should follow the same timetable to avoid conflicts with other elections and official holidays.
"In discussions with county clerks on March 6, 2012 at their conference, the overwhelming majority preferred an election schedule of May 15/June 12," Kennedy wrote. "This provided the most flexibility for addressing post spring election requirements without the issues related to an election event too close to Memorial Day." Kennedy noted that he did not yet have feedback on the matter from municipal clerks.
The GAB will consider Kennedy's request at its meeting on March 12. The Department of Justice will hold a hearing on the extension request March 14.
Kennedy also indicated that sufficient petitions had been collected to trigger recall elections against four Republican senators: Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and Sens. Terry Moulton, Pam Galloway and Van Wanggaard.
The complete set of memos relating to the GAB's March 12 meeting follow. A memo detailing discussions on the election dates is available at pgs. 191-195.