Federal Judges Call Out GOP Shenanigans

While Republican lawmakers are trying to obscure their unethical, and probably illegal, gerrymandering, a panel of three federal judges have given them a verbal reality check in how much they will tolerate. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel gives a sampling of the reprimand handed down:

Saying that GOP lawmakers and their attorneys have filed "frivolous" motions trying to keep their information private, the panel also required the attorneys for the Republican defendants to pay the attorneys' fees for the plaintiffs for the motion.

"Quite frankly, the Legislature and the actions of its counsel give every appearance of flailing wildly in a desperate attempt to hide from both the court and the public the true nature of exactly what transpired in the redistricting process," the ruling reads.[...]

The panel of judges - two of whom are Republican appointees - gave a rhetorical smack to the GOP lawmakers and their attorneys.

The court "will not suffer the sort of disinformation, foot-dragging, and obfuscation now being engaged in by Wisconsin's elected officials and/or their attorneys," the ruling reads.

Unsurprisingly, the GOP liars lawyers involved include Eric McLeod, known for giving free legal counsel to Gableman during his first ethics hearing*; Michael Best, Walker's favorite private attorney (read: Walkergate); and the Troupis Law Offices.

I'm almost starting to feel sorry for the right wing apologists, er, pundits.  The Republicans aren't giving them anything even remotely defensible.  Their eventual butt kicking is like a car accident - they see it coming but are helpless to stop it.

*Gableman's second ethics hearing will be stemming from this peppercorn of a problem.