MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Newly released documents show Gov. Scott Walker’s office was involved in drafting legislation to overhaul Wisconsin’s open records law and keep some government materials secret. Republicans on the Legislature’s budget committee passed a measure earlier this month that would have shielded many documents created by state government officials from the open records law, including drafts of legislation and staff communications. Republicans quickly backed off after a fierce backlash from outraged lawmakers from both parties and open government advocates. Walker acknowledged earlier his office had a role in developing the proposal, but also said the plan was “a huge mistake.” Documents released to several media outlets show Walker’s office, specifically assistant legal counsel David Rabe, was involved in the drafting of legislation drafts weeks before it went to the budget committee.
