Van Hollen Calls For Voter Checks

By Stephanie Graham

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Democrats are questioning why Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen asked judges statewide to notify his office immediately if any emergency legal proceedings are started on Election Day.

The letter sent to chief judges and two federal courts asks to know what judges will be on duty Tuesday, because the state may have to "initiate emergency election-related proceedings."

Deputy Attorney General Ray Taffora says it's just a courtesy so judges know who to contact at the Department of Justice if the state is sued on Election Day.

Governor Jim Doyle is one of the Democrats who say they don't understand Van Hollen's intent. Doyle adds that "Looking at this letter, you can only imagine what kinds of things he's dreaming up doing on Election Day."

Chief Judge Sue Bischel of Green Bay asked Van Hollen for more details. She says Brown County doesn't even have "duty judges." Also, she says chief judges don't belong anywhere near politics because the independence of the judiciary is absolutely critical.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)