Barrett wants answer about defense fund

Associated Press

Updated: May 2, 2012 1:08 PM

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is calling on Gov. Scott Walker to clarify why he was allowed to set up a legal defense fund.

The fund relates to an ongoing investigation into activities of Walker's associates while Walker was the Milwaukee County executive. Walker hasn't been charged with wrongdoing.

Officeholders can only set up such a fund if they've been charged with, or are under investigation for, election or campaign violations.

Barrett said Wednesday that Walker needs to say which conditions apply to him.

Walker's campaign says the fund was set up under the guidance of the state elections board. His campaign recently transferred $60,000 to the fund to pay his lawyers.

Walker will face Arthur Kohl-Riggs in next week's May 8 Republican recall primary. The Democratic primary features Kathleen Falk, Kathleen Vinehout, Tom Barrett, Doug La Follette and Gladys Huber. The general recall election is June 5.

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