Did police "voter fraud" investigators collaborate with GOP?

It's weird. The Special Investigations Unit of the Milwaukee Police Department releases its much belated report on allegations of voter fraud in the 2008 election just as the Assembly is back in session.

Now, clearly it was released at this time to maximize impact. The only real question is did the investigators proceed on their own or did they communicate with the RPW about the timing?

As noted by the Brawler earlier, in wondering whether the report blindsided MPD Chief Flynn, Flynn has said:

In a statement, Police Chief Edward Flynn said the report's findings are the views of the investigators, and the department would not take a stand on the policy issues.

Whether Flynn likes it ir not, in the public eye the department has taken a stand on the policy issues. You have legislators referring to the Milwaukee police report, callers to Sykes referring to the "Milwaukee police investigative report" (Charlie doing nothing to say, no, actually its the view of the investigators) and other examples too numerous to mention.

UPDATE: In comments, Xoff makes a point:

Whether there was collusion or not, it's pretty clear these rogue cops released it to the right-wing and the GOP for maximum effect.  Did you notice that there was no official release by the department, but it was announced by Sykes and National Review? 

Interesting, that. Was Flynn blindsided by the report -- so much so that he had to issue a statement? Is Flynn going to tolerate metaphoric "broken windows" in his department?

Comments

[Edyoukation]

Maybe the investigators applied common-sense when they came to that conclusion.

Sounds kind of obvious - doesn't it?

Show an ID when you register to vote, you are you, you cast a ballot. Seems easy enough.

Perhaps Flynn could change departmental policy directing arresting officers to accept a copy of a utility bill in lieu of ID to establish positive identities.

Imagine finding out that you have a criminal record because someone grabbed your gas bill from the trash.

[xoff]

Whether there was collusion or not, it's pretty clear these rogue cops released it to the right-wing and the GOP for maximum effect. Did you notice that there was no official release by the department, but it was announced by Sykes and National Review?

[pjr]

Here's the thing that really grates me on this.

We have an obvious problem with violent crime in some parts of the City of Milwaukee.

How many man hours did these guys spend on this when the collateral damage (OK, a gratuitous nod to Arnie)from this violence has gone unchecked?

I would much rather feel safe walking down the street at any time in any place in the city I grew up rather than spending money on this BS.