Newson says recall election had no effect on decision to release jobs data

MADISON (AP) -- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Reggie Newson says the decision to release new jobs numbers early was his alone and not made in consultation with Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

Newson released the figures Wednesday, May 16th, less than three weeks before Walker faces Democrat Tom Barrett in a June 5th recall vote.

Walker appointed Newson to his post. Newson says the pending recall had no effect on his unusual decision to release the data early.

The new numbers show Wisconsin added 23,300 jobs last year instead of losing 33,900.
The numbers are preliminary and subject to revision by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The final count comes out June 28th, three weeks after the recall.

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