GAB asks lawmakers to release money to cover recalls

MADISON (AP) -- Wisconsin election officials want state lawmakers to release nearly $405,000 to cover expenses related to recall efforts against six Republicans.

Democrats have turned in recall petitions containing nearly two million signatures against Gov. Scott Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and four GOP state senators. The effort was spurred by Walker's law stripping public workers of their union rights.

The Government Accountability Board is reviewing the petitions to determine whether enough valid signatures exist to trigger elections. Board Director Kevin Kennedy asked the Legislature's finance committee Monday for $404,500 to cover review work through Feb. 24.

A spokesman for committee co-chair Sen. Alberta Darling declined to comment. A spokeswoman for the other co-chair, Rep. Robin Vos, said she would relay a message to him.

Darling and Vos are both Republicans.