Democrats and Walker on John Doe probe

WLUK TV

Updated: May 22, 2012 6:40 PM

VALDERS — The state's recall election for governor is now just two weeks away. As it draws near, state Democrats say they want answers from Governor Walker about an investigation into his time in the Milwaukee County executive's office.

The governor says the Democrats are trying to take focus away from the bigger issues of the election, like jobs.

Governor Scott Walker made several appearances in the area Tuesday, including a conservative women's luncheon in Howard and a stop at Spancrete in Valders.

“They say construction is the last in a recession and the last out so I'd say this is a good sign for our future,” said Walker.

But state Democrats say they want to know why the governor's attorney was seen meeting with federal prosecutors in Milwaukee on Monday.

“Walker has not told the public just when his last meeting with prosecutors either state or federal happened and whether or not he is still voluntarily cooperating with the prosecution,” Wisconsin State Democratic chair Mike Tate said over the phone Tuesday.

The investigation centers around staff who served under Walker when he was Milwaukee County executive. Some have been accused of sending illegal campaign emails on county time.

Democrats allege Walker was involved or knew about it. FOX 11 asked Governor Walker about this.

"I've probably made this statement more than just about anybody out there, probably 1,000 and now 1,001 or 1,002 times. The reason they're talking about this is they can't defend the record of Tom Barrett as mayor of Milwaukee and they can't take a shot at the facts of our reforms,” Walker said when asked if he was being investigated for state or federal crimes.

After attacking Barrett's record, Walker directed his attention to the probe.

"I've said this before and I'll say it again. I have conducted myself in the state legislature, as county executive, and as governor with a high level of integrity. The very fact that there is an investigation is because the DA came to me and I authorized him to look into it in the first place. I continue to take a position of cooperation,” said Walker.

State Democrats say Walker needs to make a more definitive statement on his innocence before the recall election.

"Voters need to know if the governor is a criminal or not,” said Tate.

But, Walker says he has nothing to hide.

"It is clear when this is all said and done my integrity will remain intact and people will see those who were digging into this did it for purely political reasons,” Walker said.

With two weeks to go until Election Day, people on both sides of the aisle say it's one more issue for voters to discuss and decide about.

Governor Walker also talked about some controversy surrounding the lead investigator in the John Doe case.

As we reported Monday night, David Budde had a "Recall Walker" sign in his front yard. Budde says his wife, a county employee, put up the sign. Governor Walker said Tuesday Budde has acted professionally during the investigation process.

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