Federal judge hears challenge to election law changes

MADISON — Wisconsin Republicans were "giddy" about a voter identification requirement enacted in 2011 that they saw as an opportunity to drive down Democratic turnout at the polls, a former chief of staff to a GOP state senator testified Monday, May 16th in a federal trial targeting that law and others.

The lawsuit targets more than a dozen changes to Wisconsin's election law passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature and signed by Gov. Scott Walker since 2011.

An attorney challenging the changes told a federal judge they are discriminatory, embarrassing "and a stain on the history of the state."

Attorney Josh Kaul says those challenging the laws will present evidence showing the voter ID requirement and other new laws make it harder for blacks, Hispanics and other minorities to vote.

But Assistant Attorney General Clay Kawski says increased voter turnout since the laws went into effect disproves those arguments.

Kawski says Wisconsin election laws are "fair, easy to navigate and open to all."

The trial was expected to last into next week.