An obscure passage of the state Constitution forced the removal of two judges from Wisconsin's top election oversight committee Tuesday.
Government Accountability Board Chairman Judge David Deininger and GAB member Judge James Mohr voluntarily resigned due to an infrequently used law that mandates judges cannot have other jobs while in office.
The Board cannot allow its authority - to act on questions of the highest import to the state of Wisconsin - to be brought into question by the eligibility of two of its members,"" Deininger said in a statement.
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen wrote in a formal opinion Tuesday that the two were disqualified from serving because they had not completed their judicial terms, so the Constitution mandated they resign.
""Now, the best course is for the governor and the state Senate to act quickly to replace us and keep the Board's important work on track,"" Mohr said.
