Republicans ask to stay order blocking GOP-backed laws

MADISON — Republican lawmakers are asking an appeals court to halt a judge's order that temporarily blocks GOP-backed laws limiting the powers of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul.

Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess issued an injunction Thursday blocking the laws. On Friday, an attorney for the Republican legislators filed court documents requesting an immediate emergency stay.

Attorney Misha Tseytlin also told the 3rd District Court of Appeals that an appeal was coming.

Tseytlin says in the court filings that the judge's injunction is "indefensible" and causing confusion about whether thousands of statutes passed during extraordinary sessions are valid.

The Legislature passed the laws during a previously unscheduled extraordinary session called in December, just before Evers took office. Niess said the Wisconsin Constitution doesn't allow such sessions.