Three Weeks, Zero Answers
Three weeks after the release of more than 27,000 pages of documents obtained in connection to the first criminal corruption probe into Scott Walker’s campaigns and administrations, Wisconsinites are no closer to answers about what Scott Walker knew about the criminal activity and when he knew it.
Meanwhile, the latest national polling numbers out today from the conservative-leaning Rasmussen Reports show that support for Walker is slipping: Walker is now tied with Democratic challenger Mary Burke at 45%.
At this point it’s unknown whether Walker’s numbers have slipped based solely on his abysmal track record on jobs and the economy or if what little is known about his involvement in criminal activity that sent four of his top aides to jail has moved the dial for Wisconsin voters.
In any case, Walker’s silence is certainly a calculated move that aspires to shut down a conversation that does nothing to help his floundering political fortunes and could significantly damage an already-tarnished public image.
But as he’s no longer bound by the secrecy order in the first, closed John Doe investigation, there is nothing legally preventing Walker from releasing evidence that proves his innocence or making a statement that he never knew anything about the secret network and never directed illegal activity.
There are only two reasons for Scott Walker to dodge questions: 1) Scott Walker admits being complicit in a crime by acknowledging that he knew about the secret email network installed steps from his desk for the purpose of illegal campaigning and subverting open records laws; 2) Scott Walker would perjure himself by giving public answers that contradict testimony he gave privately to the district attorney.
At the very least, Wisconsinites know their governor betrayed the public trust. And at worst, he is guilty of crimes. Either way, Wisconsin deserves answers and Scott Walker needs to start talking.
Unanswered Questions
What did Scott Walker know about the secret email network set up in his office and when did he know it?
Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm declined to bring charges related to the secret network – does his failure to prosecute signify that secret email networks designed to conceal criminal activity and obscure public records are now legal, permissible uses of official resources? Would Mr. Chisholm allow such a system in his own office?
Was there ever a similar secret email system set up in the state Capitol, as has been reported by Milwaukee Magazine, citing a source with intimate knowledge of the Walker administration?
Did Scott Walker give testimony to district attorneys in the first John Doe? If so, will he release transcripts of said testimony?
Has Scott Walker met with state and/or federal prosecutors in connection with the current John Doe investigation?
Has Scott Walker been informed by state and/or federal prosecutors that he definitively is NOT a target of the current investigation, and/or that he will NOT be charged with criminal misconduct related to this investigation?
Is Scott Walker in possession of emails exchanged on the secret email network revealed by the first John Doe investigation? If so, will he release those records?
Why does Scott Walker continue to employ figures closely tied with the John Doe investigation, even knowing that they potentially committed crimes or at the very least acted in an unethical manner?
Reince Priebus’ name appears in John Doe criminal complaints. Was he called to testify before the John Doe judge? Did Priebus give testimony or statements to state and/or federal prosecutors?
Did Scott Walker personally approve payments to John Doe figures facing prosecution from his campaign and/or from entities associated with the Republican Party of Wisconsin?
