The will of the people will be heard

MADISON — Today, Justice Janet Protasiewicz rightfully denied Republican legislators’ baseless motion to recuse herself from Clarke v. WEC, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court formally agreed to hear the case. This case will address the constitutionality of Wisconsin’s heavily gerrymandered legislative districts, which were drawn to guarantee a permanent GOP majority regardless of voter intent. 

In response, Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) issued the following statement:

“There was never a legitimate basis for Justice Protasiewicz to recuse herself. I’m gratified that the court will, for the first time, consider the constitutionality of this extreme gerrymander. 

“For 12 years, Robin Vos and his illegitimate Republican majority have stripped away our freedoms, knowing that his right-wing state Supreme Court would rubber-stamp their actions. Now that fair-minded justices constitute a majority of the court for the first time in a generation, Republicans know their iron grip on power may no longer be absolute, and checks and balances may once again function in our state. 

“Desperate to prevent accountability, they threatened Justice Protasiewicz with a baseless, unconstitutional impeachment. All of this is a cynical pressure campaign aimed at preventing the majority of Wisconsinites from having their voices heard in the Capitol.  

“The restoration of our rights and our democracy is within reach, thanks to the voters of Wisconsin.”

Please note: This version has been updated to reflect the general extremist gerrymander Wisconsinites currently are subjected to by Republicans. A previous version referred to the gerrymander as "partisan" which has specific legal implications. If you have any follow-up questions or concerns about this correction, please contact Jalen Knuteson (jalen.knuteson@legis.wisconsin.gov), communications director Sen. Roys. 

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