Will Secret Wisconsin Probe Lead Back to Walker?

By Tim Mak, Politico

26 September 11

The 'secret probe' refers to a 'John Doe' investigation which allows investigators to issue subpoenas and gather testimony from witnesses without revealing the probe's target. -- JPS/RSN

criminal investigation has shaken Wisconsin political circles and touched off speculation that Gov. Scott Walker may be in its sights, according to numerous reports.

Wisconsin's Republican governor rose to national prominence after his election in 2010 based on his public confrontations with unions over collective bargaining rights.

The so-called "John Doe" investigation is a secret proceeding in which witnesses can be subpoenaed and required to testify under oath, but are forbidden from talking publicly about the probe or its target.

Walker, whose campaign has hired a lawyer, has said in the past that he has not been personally contacted by investigators. He appeared Monday on MSNBC's Morning Joe but was not asked about the probe.

Former state appeals court judge Neal Nettesheim, who is overseeing the investigation, announced Friday that Walker's chief spokesperson, Cullen Werwie, has been granted immunity in the probe. Also granted immunity was Rose Ann Dieck, a retired teacher and Milwaukee County Republican activist.

Nettesheim said that the immunity "does not necessarily mean, imply or infer that those witnesses are suspected of, or guilty of, any criminal wrongdoing." Those granted immunity will testify on the subject of the investigation, but will not be held criminally accountable for their testimony.

Two weeks ago four FBI agents raided the home of a former top Walker aide, Cynthia Archer, who was until recently served as Walker's deputy administration secretary.

Adding to the mystery is the fact that the "John Doe" probe started last year around the same time that the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on Walker's constituent services coordinator, Darlene Wick, who frequently commented on blogs and online articles about the governor while on the job. Wick has since resigned, and her work computer has been seized by authorities.

Sources have told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the Milwaukee County district attorney's office is looking into campaign activity by Walker's former county staffers.

Another portion of the John Doe investigation has already netted one conviction, that of William Gardner, the president of Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co., who was sentenced to two years' probation after pleading guilty to two felonies for exceeding campaign finance donation limits, and laundering donations to Wisconsin politicians, including Walker.