Romney under investigation for vote buying in WI
ABC News reports,
When GOP front-runner Mitt Romney and Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., gathered at a sandwich shop in Waukesha today to drum up support for Romney in the Badger State primary, they might have been engaging in “subs-for-votes” election bribery, according to the state’s Democratic Party.
A leftist blog adds that an investigation has indeed been opened, and cites the laws in question:
Waukesha WI – Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel today opened an investigation into the “Subs-for-Votes” scandal. Yesterday while wrapping up his Wisconsin tour the Romney Campaign bought $500 worth of Cousin’s subs to encourage the crowd to hit the polls and vote for Romney. Unfortunately for Romney there are a few things that you can’t do on election day in Wisconsin, and Rep. Paul Ryan who was arm-in-arm with with Romney throughout the ordeal neglected to tell the presidential candidate that the distribution of goods on election day is illegal.
Wis. Stats. Section 12.11(1m)(a) states, in pertinent part, that any person who offers, gives, lends or promises to give or lend, or endeavors to procure, anything of value, or any office or employment or any privilege or immunity to, or for, any elector, or to or for any other person, in order to induce any elector to:
(1). Go to or refrain from going to the polls;
(2). Vote or refrain from voting;
(3). Vote or refrain from voting for or against a particular person;
(4). Vote or refrain from voting for or against a particular referendum; or on account of any elector having done any of the above.
The State of Wisconsin has the authority to suggest the removal or impeachment of a president elect.
Section 12.60(2)(b), Wis. Stats., further provides that, “If a successful candidate for the legislature or U.S. congress is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgment certify its findings to the presiding officer of the legislative body to which the candidate was elected.”
Romney can be overheard in the video saying “You guys ready for some stuff? Free stuff!”