MADISON — The state Senate has passed a bill that would dissolve the state elections board.
The GOP measure would dismantle the Government Accountability Board, which oversees elections and enforces ethics law. The agency is led by six nonpartisan judges.
Republicans are upset with the board's role in an investigation into whether Gov. Scott Walker's campaign illegally coordinated with outside groups. The state Supreme Court halted the probe this summer; Republicans say the investigation was a political witch-hunt.
The bill would replace the GAB with two commissions made up of partisan appointees. One commission would administer elections. The other would enforce ethics laws.
The Senate approved the measure 18-14 early Saturday morning, capping a brutal all-night debate. The bill now goes to the state Assembly for final passage.
The following are statements issued by senators in the wake of this vote:
Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D)
Sen. Leah Vukmir (R)
Sen. Chris Larson (D)