Court documents released for the first time Thursday offer new insight into prosecutors' secret inquiry of the fundraising activities by Gov. Scott Walker's campaign. Here's a look at the case:
Where does the case stand?
No charges have been filed against Walker. The investigation has been on hold since May, when a judge temporarily halted it.
WHY WERE THE DOCUMENTS UNSEALED?
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Frank Easterbrook in Chicago unsealed 266 pages of documents related to a Wisconsin Club for Growth lawsuit seeking to end the investigation. The organization had argued the public has the right to see them.
WHO IS ACCUSED OF COORDINATING?
Lead prosecutor Francis Schmitz wrote that the organizations include Wisconsin Club for Growth; Citizens for a Strong America; Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce; and Walker's campaign. The document also quotes an e-mail Walker sent to Karl Rove in May 2011 praising his top adviser, R.J. Johnson, who served as both Walker's top campaign strategist and as an adviser for Wisconsin Club For Growth. Prosecutors also mentioned there were discussions of coordinating with Americans for Prosperity, the Republican Party of Wisconsin, the Republican State Leadership Committee and the Republican Governors Association.
why THEY were ALLEGED TO BE COORDINATING?
Prosecutors alleged Wisconsin Club for Growth funded groups that enabled them to run ads or conduct activity supporting candidates or opposing critics. The organization said the prohibition does not apply because it does not tell people how to vote.
Associated Press
