Wisconsin GOP calls for investigation after judge halts voter ID law

The Republican Party of Wisconsin said Tuesday that it would seek an investigation of Dane County Judge David Flanagan after he temporary barred the enforcement of a voter ID law.

Flanagan granted a temporary injunction on Tuesday, preventing a new "extremely broad and largely needless" law from taking effect during the general election on April 3.

The voter ID law, which was passed by the Republican-led state legislature last year, requires voters to present a state-issued photo ID when they cast ballots in federal, state and local elections. Other photo IDs, such as technical college and veteran ID cards, cannot be used.

The lawsuit against Republican Gov. Scott Walker and the state Government Accountability Board was brought by the NAACP and Voces de la Frontera.

"Today's action that halts the implementation of flawed legislation that makes it harder for students, seniors and minorities to exercise their right to vote is a victory for all Wisconsinites," said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate.

"Now that the judiciary has correctly recognized that this restrictive bill could cause irreparable harm to Wisconsinites and our traditions of excellent voter participation, Scott Walker and his Republican Party have the opportunity to make things right. Wisconsin law should focus on increasing voter participation, not diminishing it."

The Wisconsin Department of Justice has said it was likely to file an appeal after reviewing the ruling. In addition, the Republican Party of Wisconsin plans to file a complaint with the Wisconsin Judicial Commission because Flanagan signed a recall petition against Walker.

"The very fact that Dane County Judge David Flanagan signed a petition to recall Governor Walker calls today's court proceedings regarding Wisconsin's voter ID law into question," Republican Party of Wisconsin spokesman Ben Sparks said.

The League of Women Voters and American Civil Liberties Union have also filed separate complaints against the law.