John Doe investigation: Federal appeals court keeps Gov. Walker probe on hold

MADISON (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled that a secret investigation into Republican Gov. Scott Walker and other conservative groups should remain on hold.

The investigation, known as a John Doe, focused on allegations of illegal coordination between conservative groups, Walker's campaign and others during recall elections in 2011 and 2012. U.S. District Judge Rudolph Randa ruled in May in a lawsuit brought by conservative group Club for Growth that the probe was a breach of free-speech rights and issued a preliminary order halting the investigation.

A three-judge panel on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that Randa had the authority to issue such an order and the prosecutors don't enjoy legal immunity from the lawsuit.