Republicans threatened to take legal action against Secretary of State Doug La Follette if he fails to send copies of a resolution to hold a convention of the states to amend the Constitution to members of Congress.
Sen. Kathleen Bernier, R-Chippewa Falls, and Rep. Dan Knodl, R-Germantown, in a Capitol press conference did not specify what kind of legal action they would take if La Follette does not send copies to congressional leaders. The two argued La Follete has failed to do his job since March 9, when the resolution was given to La Follette for messaging and they would take legal action if he does not send copies by Aug. 1. Bernier said his actions have damaged the reputation of the office of the secretary of state.
“Secretary La Follette is besmirching the name of his office with disregard for the law and contempt for his constituency,” she said.
La Follette told WisPolitics.com he hasn’t mailed the letters yet because “the Legislature has cut our budget to the bare bones” and he lacked funds needed to buy envelopes and pay for postage. He said he’s not too concerned about the threat of legal action.
“In today’s world everybody sues everybody about everything,” he said.
La Follette also slammed Republicans for complaining about the issue while they refuse to provide his office more resources he says are necessary to complete its responsibilities.
“I’m fed up to be quite honest,” he said.
Assembly Joint Resolution 9 calls for states to amend the U.S. Constitution to limit the federal government’s ability to create legislation that supersedes state laws and limit its ability to spend money.
Article V of the Constitution requires at least two-thirds, or 34 with the current number, of states to pass resolutions calling for a convention of states in order to hold the convention and amend the Constitution. So far, 30 states have passed such measures.
