Here & Now

Judge Holds Gableman in Contempt Over Open Records Lawsuit

Zac Schultz:

Back in Wisconsin, Donald Trump’s baseless allegations of voter fraud led Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to create the Office of the Special Counsel to investigate the 2020 election. The head of that office was held in contempt of court today by a Dane County judge. Former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman is being sued by a group accusing his office of destroying public records. Gableman was ordered to take the stand today but instead, he accused the judge of being partisan and refused to answer questions.

Michael Gableman:

All of a sudden, I somehow think that my personal rights are at stake, too.

Frank Remington:

Mr. Gableman.

Michael Gableman:

Yes, Judge Remington.

Frank Remington:

You have had a long and storied career serving the public. Both as a — let me finish please.

Michael Gableman:

Sure. If you’ll let me finish.

Frank Remington:

No.

Michael Gableman:

Ok.

Frank Remington:

This is my courtroom.

Michael Gableman:

Right.

Frank Remington:

You had a courtroom in Burnett County.

Michael Gableman:

I did.

Frank Remington:

You had a courtroom in the east wing of the state Capitol. I do not need to tell you what — how I expect you to control yourself and the behavior that I expect of a witness on this stand.

Michael Gableman:

You have a right to conduct and control your courtroom, judge but you don’t have a right to act as an advocate for one party over the other. I want a personal counsel. If you are putting jail on the table, I want a personal — I want an attorney to represent me personally. I will not answer any more questions. I see you have a jail officer here. You want to put me in jail, Judge Remington, Im not going to be railroaded.