Initially I thought that was a typo but then I realized that you did it on purpose!
Classic!
Posted on 12/30/2004 4:11:17 AM PST by PjhCPA
So Peg Lautenschlager wants to take over the Chai Vang case. We wish the Wisconsin attorney general good luck. She'll need it.
We're inclined to agree with the cynics who think this is more about politics than prosecutorial discretion. After all, it's certainly no coincidence that Lautenschlager will be up for re-election in 2006.
It's also important to note that Lautenschlager is trying to live down a DWI conviction. Adding insult to injury, she was in a state-owned vehicle earlier this year when she was pulled over and refused to submit to a sobriety test.
Clearly, a victory in the high-profile Chai Vang case would do much to erase these blemishes. Of course, the case could blow up in her face, too. An acquittal on procedural grounds would almost certainly end her career, so taking over the case does not assure her re-election.
And let us be clear that we're not questioning Lautenschlager's credentials. By most accounts she's an accomplished trial lawyer and her resume is impressive.
Before running for attorney general, Lautenschlager was the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, which includes the state's westernmost 44 counties. That district includes Sawyer County, where the hunter shootings occurred. She was unavailable for comment Wednesday, according to her office, because she was in Sawyer County.
She was also attorney general for Winnebago County for more than three years. In 1996, Lautenschlager was appointed by Janet Reno to serve on the 15-member Attorney General's Advisory Committee.
Like we said, she's no legal slouch. But we also can't ignore the fact that she hasn't been in a courtroom as a prosecutor since being elected in 2002. Of course she'll have a team at her disposal, including Wisconsin Assistant Attorneys General Roy Korte and Dawn Latorroca.
Our problem with all this goes beyond the crass political motives obviously at work here. By taking over the case, Lautenschlager increases the profile and tension in an already tense and highly scrutinized case. Moreover, injecting herself, and her politics, into the case will only fuel arguments from all quarters that this case was handled in anything but a routine manner.
While some would argue that the state is only being prudent in paying special attention to this case, we think just the opposite. It should be handled like any other case. Sticking to that simple premise will ensure a fair and speedy trial for all.
As for Lautenschlager, she could best perform her duties by checking her politics and recusing herself.
ping
Yes, it is a very good article. Thanx for posting it. But there is an upside...win, lose or draw, Peg, a Dem, won't be making many friends in the Asian community and this is in a case that will reverberate nationally, not just locally. I would not be surprised if the DNC paid Peg a visit & 'encouraged' her to withdraw.
And this chick still has her job?!
Yeah, I have my doubts about this whole deal. I posted a piece from a different publication yesterday, hoping to get some WI input on Pegs abilities.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1309329/posts?page=36#36
Yeah, isn't that unbelievable.
Well, sad anyway. Sheesh.
Ridiculous, isn't it? If any of us lowly peons in state govt were to do the same, we'd be out the door in a second.
This bears repeating: While some would argue that the state is only being prudent in paying special attention to this case, we think just the opposite. It should be handled like any other case. Sticking to that simple premise will ensure a fair and speedy trial for all.
There's some agenda behind all this, mark my words. And it's not just Keg's grandstanding.
Of course she has her job. She is attempting to cope with an alcohol handicap as well as a judgement deficiency handicap.
The people of Wisconsin feel her pain.
Initially I thought that was a typo but then I realized that you did it on purpose!
Classic!
"And this chick still has her job?!"
Probably was promoted.
I'm looking for another article and ran across this one. Figured you'd be interested.
Thanks as always, Ladysmith.
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