Call for Temporary Halt of John Doe Probe into Scott Walker's Recall Campaign, as New Attys Are Retained

Update: Appeals court turns down request for stay in new John Doe probe

As rightwingers sound the alarm that the Wisconsin John Doe probe is a political witch hunt against Scott Walker, rightwingers are correct in noting "big-gun" defense attorneys have been retained, confirming the fears in Republican circles of unprecedented political corruption being brought to light.

The GOP is attempting to temporary halt the John Doe probe into Scott Walker's campaign and related matters, Patrick Marley, Jason Stein and Daniel Bice of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel report today.

"Three unnamed people have asked the Wisconsin Court of Appeals to temporarily halt a secret investigation of campaign fundraising and spending during Wisconsin's recent recall elections."

The petition was filed last last night in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV.

In an another development, Kenosha County Circuit Judge Barbara A. Kluka is being replaced by retired Appeals Court Judge Gregory Peterson who will now oversee the investigation.

The 69-year-old Kluka did not say why she is stepping down.

Estimates are that some $137 million was spent on the 2011-12 Wisconsin Recall elections, most of it from Republican donors.