MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A three-judge panel says a group of Democratic voters challenging Republican-drawn legislative districts can depose Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.
The voters filed a federal lawsuit in 2015 alleging the boundaries amount to an unconstitutional gerrymander. The Democrats want to question Vos about how Republicans drew the boundaries and how Republicans expected the lines to affect Democrats.
Vos has argued he can’t be deposed due to legislative privilege, which protects lawmakers from being sued.
The three judges considering the case voted 2-1 on Friday to allow the deposition, saying the case is exceptional and raises important questions about the districts’ constitutionality. Judge William Griesbach was the lone dissenter, saying a Vos deposition isn’t necessary or relevant.
Kevin St. John, an attorney representing the state Assembly, didn’t immediately respond to an email.
