A Senate committee has set an Aug. 29 confirmation hearing for Meagan Wolfe amid a dispute over whether the state’s top elections official has been reappointed to the job.
The state Elections Commission this summer voted 3-0 to nominate Wolfe for a new four-year term ending in 2027. But the Dem appointees abstained, leaving the commission short of a majority of the body to support the motion. The Dem members argued that means Wolfe can remain in the post indefinitely.
But the GOP-controlled Senate via voice vote shortly afterward declared Wolfe had been renominated and her appointment was properly before the chamber.
Insiders have debated whether Wolfe would attend a confirmation hearing amid the dispute on her status. Some have argued doing so would give weight to those who argue the 3-0 vote met the threshold to renominate her, which would come into play if there’s a legal challenge over her status.
During a WEC meeting late Wednesday, Wolfe didn’t indicate if she planned to attend a confirmation hearing once it was scheduled.
Wolfe told the commissioners she is being put in “an absolutely impossible, untenable spot.” She noted commissioners disagree on whether she’s been renominated, and she doesn’t want to act contrary to their wishes.
The commission decided against voting to expressly authorize her to attend, instead saying it was up to her.
“I don’t know that there’s a great answer here, but knowing that I have the clear backing of the commission is important to me, that I’m not operating against your will because I serve at your will,” she said.
The Senate Shared Revenue, Elections and Consumer Protection Committee has planned a full agenda for the Aug. 29 hearing.
Along with Wolfe, the committee plans to take up the nomination of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Joe Czarnezki to serve on the Elections Commission.
It also will hear the renomination of Ethics Commission Administrator Dan Carlton to a four-year term that ends July 1, 2027.
The committee also will hear public testimony on three bills, including one that would provide aid to local governments to cover the costs of special elections for state offices.
Ahead of that, the committee has an informational hearing planned with Legislative Audit Bureau Director Joe Chrisman to go over the agency’s December 2021 report on the administration of the November 2020 election. He is slated to be the only witness for the hearing.
See the hearing notice here.
See the informational hearing notice here.
