What is inside Governor Scott Walker's "War Room?" Documents from initial "John Doe" investigation released



MADISON (WITI) -- What is inside Governor Scott Walker's "War Room?" On Friday morning, August 8th, thousands of documents were released as part of the now-closed first of two John Doe investigations involving Governor Walker. The documents are shedding light into how then-County Executive Scott Walker managed his office.

The documents spell out Walker's agenda, issues and key contacts when he was Milwaukee County's Executive.

The document that came from Walker's county computer was originally collected as part of a now-closed John Doe investigation.

The "War Room" document is part of 14 gigabytes of data released by Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele in response to a judge's order from May to make the information public.

The "War Room" file plots out issues he wanted to highlight, groups he wanted to target, places he planned to visit and targeted media.

In a file dated October, 2006 -- Walker outlines a firm initiative while he was Milwaukee's County Executive -- calling for contacts to be established in each aldermanic ward -- neighborhoods, religious and minority groups. The documents say visits to local businesses should encourage others to support the agenda of the County Executive.

Appearances at special events are marked with questions within the documents. "Is there a practical official reason for the County Executive to attend? Does it fit the message of the day, week and/or month?"

Under "Issues" Walker noted the need to lobby state lawmakers on park issues and "work on new board member" on county pensions.

"Those (documents) were part of the original John Doe investigation that resulted in six individuals being charged," Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said.

Chisholm says this is just the beginning.

"'It`s my understanding that this is just the first release.  They are still working on a body of other material that I anticipate will come out in the coming week," Chisholm said.

According to Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele's office, a team of attorneys and IT staff have been working full-time since the end of June to format, sort and process the documents. Any non-public material like social security numbers or personal medical information was redacted.

In the documents, Chisholm is referenced several times -- including in a memo written by Walker's Chief of Staff Tom Nardelli: "Why now, after all the information my office has shared with you, must this be done in secret? Is there a motive you've not shared with us?"

Friday's release of documents represents just a small percentage of what is expected to come. We're told it's "terabytes" of information.

Chisholm says the information will likely come at a cost to taxpayers -- but couldn't say how much the sorting and sifting of the documents will cost.

The documents released on Friday, August 8th are part of the first John Doe investigation launched against Governor Scott Walker.

That investigation focused on Walker's aides and associates when he was Milwaukee's County Executive -- and whether they were doing campaign work on county time.

The second John Doe investigation connected to Walker explored whether he illegally coordinated fundraising with outside conservative groups during his 2012 recall election.

CLICK HERE for a complete collection of coverage on both John Doe investigations -- via FOX6Now.com.