Democrats, advocacy groups make final push to stop bills

MADISON — Democrats and advocacy groups are making a final push to stop bills that would do away with Wisconsin's unique nonpartisan elections board and rewrite state campaign finance laws.

The Assembly was expected to pass the Republican-backed proposals Monday, the last step before the measures go to Gov. Scott Walker, who is expected to sign them both.

Opponents planned a Friday rally at the Capitol.

One bill would replace the nonpartisan Government Accountability Board with one commission overseeing ethics, campaign finance and lobbying and another in charge of elections. The ethics commission would include two retired judges and an equal number of partisan appointees.

The campaign finance bill would do away with a state law requiring donors to disclose their employer. It also makes clear candidates can coordinate with interest groups.