The political drama in Wisconsin continues as prosecutors in three counties have declined to pursue felony campaign finance violation charges against former President Donald Trump’s fundraising committee and State Representative Janel Brandtjen, a Trump ally.
Conflicts of Interest Hamper Prosecution
The prosecutors cited conflicts of interest as the primary reason for their decision. Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell is a member of the county Republican Party, which faces charges. Florence County District Attorney Doug Drexler has been a member of the county Republican Party for over three decades and has provided legal services to party members. Langlade County District Attorney Kelly Hays did not provide a statement.
Friction between Trump and Wisconsin Speaker
The charges stem from allegations that Trump and Brandtjen conspired to unseat Robin Vos, the Speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly. Vos had angered Trump by firing a former state Supreme Court justice hired to investigate the former president’s discredited claims of fraud in the 2020 election.
In an attempt to oust Vos, Trump and Brandtjen backed Republican primary opponent Adam Steen. Vos emerged victorious, defeating Steen by a slim margin of 260 votes.
Allegations of Circumventing Campaign Finance Laws
The Wisconsin Ethics Commission, which forwarded the charges, alleges that Trump’s “Save America” PAC, Brandtjen, and county Republican Party officials violated state campaign finance laws by steering ,000 to Steen’s campaign. Wisconsin law limits individual donations to Assembly candidates at ,000, but unlimited donations are allowed to political parties.
Uncertainty Surrounds Future Action
With prosecutors in Chippewa, Florence, and Langlade counties declining to prosecute, the future of the charges remains uncertain. They have been referred to district attorneys in Racine, St. Croix, and Waukesha counties, but no decisions have been announced yet.
The ethics commission is considering referring the charges to counties adjacent to those that declined prosecution. Alternatively, the matter could be brought before Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat.
Adding Fuel to the Political Fire
As the legal battle continues, Steen is currently leading an effort to recall Vos from office. The allegations of campaign finance violations add another layer of controversy to the ongoing political feud between Vos and Trump allies in Wisconsin.
The ultimate outcome of the case remains to be seen, but it is sure to have a significant impact on the political landscape of the state and potentially beyond.
