New Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul is criticizing Republican lawmakers in his inauguration speech.
Kaul took the oath of office Monday along with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers during a ceremony in a packed state Capitol rotunda.
Kaul delivered a short speech, ripping Republican legislators for passing lame-duck legislation in December that weakened both his and Evers’ offices.
Kaul said such a move was unprecedented and was designed to hinder both him and Evers. He warned Republicans the state Justice Department’s priorities will still shift during his tenure with a sharper focus on environmental and consumer protection.
The lame-duck measures eliminated the attorney general’s solicitor general office, allows lawmakers to intervene in lawsuits and requires Kaul to seek approval from lawmakers before reaching settlements.
