Stakes may be Rising in the Battle over a Redistricting Lawsuit in Wisconsin

The stakes may be rising in the battle over another redistricting lawsuit in Wisconsin.

State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is suggesting Republican lawmakers may consider impeachment proceedings against new Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz.

Vos says Protasiewicz called the maps rigged during her campaign earlier this year and he believes it means she’s already prejudged the case. Vos wants Protasiewicz to recuse herself from the redistricting suit when it comes before the court or risk impeachment proceedings.

There are similar redistricting cases in states ranging from North Carolina to Utah. The Wisconsin lawsuit alleges partisan gerrymandering is illegal under the state constitution’s guarantee of equal protection and free speech.

This claim has had mixed results nationally. Democrats hope the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s new liberal majority will deliver a rejection of gerrymandering that has given Republicans a lopsided legislative majority.

This is the second redistricting lawsuit filed with the Wisconsin Supreme Court since Protasiewicz’s swearing-in on August 1st.