State Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, requested the Government Accountability Board estimate how much tax revenue it would take to fund a possible recall election of Gov. Scott Walker.
""With this figure in mind, I believe Wisconsin taxpayers should know the estimated cost of running a state-wide election before petitions are circulated,"" Vos said in a letter. ""Taxpayers need this cost estimate so they can make a better informed decision as to how their tax dollars should be spent.""
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin and United Wisconsin will begin collecting signatures Nov. 15.
GAB Public Information Officer Reid Magney said the board would ask counties and municipalities to give an estimate of the cost of a statewide recall election.
Last month, Vos also introduced a constitutional amendment that would redefine and streamline the rules for recalling state politicians.
Current Wisconsin requirements mandate a group submitting a recall petition for a local official to include a stated reason for the recall that connects to the official's duties. No reason is required when recalling a state official.
Vos' amendment would require a stated reason for recall petitions of both state and local officials.
""The new legislation would make the law uniform at the state and local levels,"" Vos said in a statement.
Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, criticized what he saw as a way to protect Republicans from recall elections.
""Floating this constitutional amendment … appears to indicate that Republicans are frightened that future actions to hold them accountable will also be successful,"" Barca said.
