Wisconsin’s Secret Successors Bill Tabled
As it should be, the bill to allow secret successors for elected officials to be named in the case of some diabolical plot on state government was tabled. As mentioned here earlier this week when I urged the bill to be rejected, playing to the fear factor and allowing those who perpetrated 9/11 to force our hand on these type of matters is just plain wrong. The idea of allowing members of the assembly and senate to designate who should take their seats in case the ‘big one’ hits is nothing short of extra-constitutional. Might I suggest that those who wish to re-fashion this idea into something more palatable instead just head back to their district for some R and R. We all would be better served in regards to this matter if they would go fishing in the northwoods!
Lawmakers have gone back to the drawing board on a proposal that would allow lawmakers to appoint their own replacements and keep their identities secret.
Both the state Assembly and Senate tabled bills Tuesday that are part of an emergency plan for the state. The bill’s author, Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, said he plans to revise the bill this fall for future consideration,
The succession plan proposed would have each lawmaker make a list of three to seven people they’d like to replace them and ultimately keep the list secret.
“The more important reason is to avoid the potential of all sorts of (complaints) of, ‘Well, why didn’t you pick me. And I gave you $500 for you campaign, and you didn’t pick me,’” said Schneider. “So if we can avoid those kinds of issues I think it’s worth doing.”
Schneider said legislators know who in their districts would be best to replace them, but some aren’t so comfortable with the idea of legislators picking their friends.
“I think some members are going to be afraid that they’re going to be laughed at if they cast a vote like that, because I think the public just doesn’t understand why in the world this is being offered,” said Rep. Fred Kessler, D-Milwaukee.
Kessler has proposed an amendment to have leadership pick a successor, or at least have the lists made public.
“I don’t like the idea of designating successors,” said Kessler. “The voters are to pick our successors.”
