It appears the GOP thinks their legal defense only needs to be, unbelievably, "Judge,
we refuse to appear in your court - so take away the restraining order until we have the time to give
you some time"
The strange thing is this: the GOP could make this all go away, by simply just re-passing the bill in the legislature and the senate. So why isn't Walker doing that? Just re-vote on the bill.
The only reason could be that he no longer has the votes to pass his union-busting bill
The overwhelming public anger and the recalls must have scared off GOP who would not vote the same way again.
Quote:
Bargaining bill restraining order remains in effect; DA rests case
Judge Maryann Sumi's temporary restraining order against the implementation of the collective bargaining bill will remain in effect indefinitely.
The plaintiff in the case, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, rested his side of the case this afternoon, but Sumi said she could not set a date to take more testimony because the GOP legislators named as defendants in the case are still covered under legislative immunity.
Assistant AG Maria Lazar had asked for the restraining order to be vacated, arguing the hearing could not conclude without the participation of defendants Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Senate President Mike Ellis, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald and Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder.
But Sumi said that just as those lawmakers are entitled to their day in court, they are also not entitled to the suspension of the current restraining order.
"It remains in effect until further order of the court," Sumi said, adding that she doesn't know when that will be. The judge said the defendants in question could waive their immunity, allow their attorneys to move forward without them or wait until their immunity expires.
Bob Jambois, attorney for Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, responded that if those lawmakers "find this to be an inconvenience," they would still be able to pass the bill again with 24 hours notice of a conference committee hearing and legislative sessions.
Sumi requested briefs from both sides on seeking declaratory judgment, the nature of indispensible parties in the case and time limits for service of process while immunity is in effect. That brief is due April 25 for the district attorney's office, followed by defendants' briefs on May 16 and a reply from the DA on May 23
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