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Freedom Note - March 24, 2008
Greetings!
IN THIS EDITION:
1. Swaffer v. Deininger Preliminary Injunction Order
2. Swaffer v. Deininger Press Release
3. Implications of Swaffer v. Deininger PI Order
4. WI Supreme Court Race Information
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Court Orders Preliminary Injunction in Swaffer v. Deininger, et al.
On Tuesday March 11, 2008, First Freedoms Foundation filed a federal action against the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board and the Walworth County DA on behalf of a Town of Whitewater resident, John Swaffer, Jr. The complaint challenges state statutes regulating speech supporting or opposing referendums. Working with Attorney James Bopp and the James Madison Center, FFF sued the Board in Wisconsin's Eastern District to enjoin enforcement of Wisconsin campaign laws which unreasonably burden and deny the political and free speech rights of ordinary citizens. Read More
On Thursday March 20, 2008 Wisconsin's Eastern District Court granted John Swaffer's motion for a preliminary injunction extending through April 1, 2008.
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Swaffer v. Deininger Press Release
Waukesha, Wisconsin. March 20, 2008
Re: Swaffer v. Deininger, et al., Case No. 08-C-0208 (Eastern District)
Federal Judge J.P. Stadtmueller issued an order today enjoining enforcement of Wisconsin campaign finance law against Town of Whitewater resident John Swaffer in the April 1 election. The law requires that anyone spending over $25.00 or donating $100.00 to support or defeat a referendum must register with the Government Accountability Board, open a separate bank account, appoint a treasurer, disclose donors' identities and personal information, and continue filing reports for up to three years.....
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Implications of Swaffer v. Deininger PI Order
On March 13, 2008 Dr. Hollowell of Elmbrook placed an ad in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel urging voters to vote against an Elmbrook School District referendum. Apparently the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel pulled the ad after Elmbrook officials notified Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel that it did not comply with Wisconsin law governing "advocacy" for or against referendums.
Although FFF does not represent Dr. Hollowell, general counsel Mike Dean delivered a letter to Mr. Schimel informing him of the Preliminary Injunction issued March 20 by federal judge J.P. Stadtmueller, Wisconsin Eastern District Court, in Swaffer v. Deininger. Both Dr. Hollowell and Mr. Swaffer received veiled threats of criminal prosecution from officials supporting referendums.
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| April 1, 2008 Wisconsin Supreme Court Election
Please remember to vote April 1, 2008 for Wisconsin Supreme Court justice. In 2004, Gov. Doyle appointed Justice Louis Butler to fill a vacancy. Judge Mike Gableman is challenging Butler for the seat. Supreme court justice is a statewide elected position in Wisconsin, and the winner will hold the seat for a 10 year term. This election is one of the most critical in years, so educate yourself and vote! Click on the pictures below to learn about the candidates.
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Who Is First Freedoms Foundation?
 First Freedoms Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation whose mission is to defend historic civil liberties and constitutional principles through public interest litigation and education. FFF's goals are to defend core freedoms and constitutional principles in court and to educate the public about constitutional rights and principles, the impact of the judicial branch and court decisions, and the importance of judicial elections and appointments.
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| Swaffer v Deininger East. Dist. Case No. 08-C-0208 |
| Helgeland v DETF
Wis. App. Case No. 2005 AP 002540 |
| Johnson v Burmaster
Wis. App. Case No. 2006 AP 1380 |
| Bhandari v Nilsestuen
Dane County Case No. 2007 CV 2226 | |
