Embattled Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) administrator Meagan Wolfe is proving to be a tough opponent to remove from her position. One Republican observer compared her resilience to bubblegum stuck to the sole of a shoe.
On September 14, the state Senate voted along party lines, 22–10, to reject her nomination for a second term. However, one Democrat senator did not vote on the motion.
Despite the Senate’s decision, Meagan Wolfe made it clear at a press conference that she had no intention of stepping down. Defiantly, she declared, “I will not bend to political pressure.” She stated that she would remain in her position until ordered to leave by the courts or a majority of the WEC’s six members.
The Senate’s action came two-and-a-half months after Meagan Wolfe’s term officially expired on June 30. However, Senator Mark Spreitzer raised a point of order, arguing that since four members of the WEC had not voted to reappoint her as required by law, there was no appointment for the Senate to act on, and Meagan Wolfe was legally entitled to remain in her position.
A general view of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wis., on March 6, 2011. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Meagan Wolfe’s stance aligns with Mr. Beloit’s assertion that an expired term does not create a vacancy in Wisconsin. Democrat Attorney General Josh Kaul supports this view and plans to seek a declaratory judgment from a judge to confirm it.
In June, the WEC’s six members deadlocked three to three over Meagan Wolfe’s reappointment, mistakenly believing they had prevented her nomination from reaching the Senate for confirmation. Ironically, only the three Republican commissioners voted in favor of her nomination, while the three Democrat commissioners abstained to protect her from rejection by the Senate.
To counter the Democrats’ strategy, the Republican supermajority in the legislature swiftly pushed through a resolution that brought Meagan Wolfe’s nomination to a public committee hearing, followed by a committee vote, and finally to the full Senate for advice and consent on September 14.
After defeating Mr. Spreitzer’s point of order, the Senate proceeded with the vote on Meagan Wolfe’s nomination. The presiding officer declared her appointment to be “in fact, properly before the Senate.” The day ended with a stinging resolution offered by Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, calling on the WEC to fulfill its duty to appoint an interim administrator and submit a nomination for a permanent replacement.
Looking ahead, Meagan Wolfe expressed her determination to administer the 2024 elections and emphasized the importance of transparency. She urged skeptics to engage in the process, assuring them that elections in Wisconsin are run with integrity and are fair and accurate.
Wisconsin State Assemblywoman Janel Brandtjen. (Courtesy Janel Brandtjen)
A Call for Transparency
Republican State Rep. Janel Brandtjen, a vocal advocate for election integrity, expressed concerns about Meagan Wolfe’s impact on Wisconsin elections. Brandtjen hopes for increased transparency and the appointment of someone who will address issues such as voter roll maintenance and the state’s relationship with the Electronic Registration Information Center.
How does the deadlock in the WEC’s appointment process contribute to the ongoing battle for Meagan Wolfe’s position?
A Battle for Office
Embattled Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) administrator Meagan Wolfe is proving to be a tough opponent to remove from her position. One Republican observer compared her resilience to bubblegum stuck to the sole of a shoe.
On September 14, the state Senate voted along party lines, 22–10, to reject her nomination for a second term. However, one Democrat senator did not vote on the motion.
Despite the Senate’s decision, Meagan Wolfe made it clear at a press conference that she had no intention of stepping down. Defiantly, she declared, “I will not bend to political pressure.” She stated that she would remain in her position until ordered to leave by the courts or a majority of the WEC’s six members.
The Senate’s action came two-and-a-half months after Meagan Wolfe’s term officially expired on June 30. However, Senator Mark Spreitzer raised a point of order, arguing that since four members of the WEC had not voted to reappoint her as required by law, there was no appointment for the Senate to act on, and Meagan Wolfe was legally entitled to remain in her position.
Meagan Wolfe’s stance aligns with Mr. Beloit’s assertion that an expired term does not create a vacancy in Wisconsin. Democrat Attorney General Josh Kaul supports this view and plans to seek a declaratory judgment from a judge to confirm it.
In June, the WEC’s six members deadlocked three to three over Meagan Wolfe’s reappointment, which further complicates the situation. It seems that this battle for office will continue to be fought both legally and politically.
It is evident that Meagan Wolfe is not willing to back down without a fight. Her determination to remain in her position despite the Senate’s rejection is a testament to her dedication to the role and her belief in the legalities surrounding her appointment.
The outcome of this battle remains uncertain. It will ultimately depend on the legal interpretation of Wisconsin’s election laws and the decisions made by the courts. In the meantime, Meagan Wolfe continues in her position, leading the WEC and carrying out her duties with an unwavering resolve.
This clash between political factions highlights the importance of impartiality and transparency in the administration of elections. It raises questions about the balance of power and the appointment process for key positions within election commissions.
As the battle for office unfolds, it is crucial that the integrity of Wisconsin’s electoral process remains intact. The public’s faith in the fairness and impartiality of elections is paramount, and any disputes or disagreements regarding appointments and nominations must be resolved through legal means.
The future of Meagan Wolfe’s position as the WEC administrator hangs in the balance. Only time will tell how this battle will conclude and what impact it will have on the state’s electoral system. Until then, all eyes are on Wisconsin, watching as this political showdown unfolds.
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