An FBI investigation of two of Governor Scott Walker's top aides may prompt Wisconsin Democrats to launch a recall campaign

On Wednesday morning, 14 September, FBI agents descended on the Madison home of one of Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker's closest aides, Cynthia Archer. The federal agents seized Archer's computer files and other documents. A wider investigation involving another Walker aide may be in the works. The FBI raid has breathed new life into the hopes of Democratic organisers in Wisconsin as they decide whether to launch a recall campaign against Walker himself.

Archer, a long-time Walker loyalist and staffer, served for three years as director of administrative services for Walker while he was Milwaukee County executive, including during his campaign for governor. She helped craft the county budgets that defined Walker as an anti-union, anti-tax conservative. Archer then took a high-paying position in Walker's administration when he became governor in January 2011. Last week's FBI raid appears focused on whether she and another top Walker aide used public time for political purposes. If Walker is significantly connected to any such transgressions, it will add impetus to a possible recall election next year.

Originally posted by neo96
reply to post by Vitchilo

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im confused on this what exactly does "used public time for poltical purposes" mean?

as in the time she gets paid to work on government policies?

State law permits State employees to provide volunteer services for campaigns. The Ethics Commission has ruled consistently that the Ethics Law does not limit this activity as long as there is no use of State time, materials, facilities, etc. and if the person's State position is not improperly used for political purposes. State employees may not use their State position, State time, State materials, or State equipment in any way to involve people or other employees in political campaigns. For example, supervisors should not take any action that would suggest that they are urging or requiring subordinates to engage in campaign activity. Law enforcement and other uniformed personnel may not use State uniforms or equipment in political advertising. Confidential information may not be used for political activity purposes.

"All Government employees should realize that the process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service. It has its distinct and insurmountable limitations when applied to public personnel management. The very nature and purposes of Government make it impossible for administrative officials to represent fully or to bind the employer in mutual discussions with Government employee organizations. The employer is the whole people, who speak by means of laws enacted by their representatives in Congress. Accordingly, administrative officials and employees alike are governed and guided, and in many instances restricted, by laws which establish policies, procedures, or rules in personnel matters."