When did Scott Walker learn about the police "voter fraud" report?

If I'm MPD Chief Ed Flynn -- angry about getting blindsided by a police report raising the specter of voter fraud in Milwaukee -- I'm thinking I'm checking if the people who pushed the report had any ties to Scott Walker or his affiliates.

Why? Because Walker's the guy who stands to gain the most from the perception of problems in Milwaukee voting. If Lena Taylor can drive significant turnout in Milwaukee, she stands a solid chance of winning. Using the report to cast doubt on Milwaukee poll results -- or to whip up the troops -- certainly would benefit Walker.

Recall way back in September that the Brawler said this:

Walker's people -- and Sykes et al -- will raise the specter of "phantom voters" and pandemic fraud. (Even though St. Steven M. Biskupic, who pressed plenty of dubious cases in his time, conceded he could find no evidence of fraud in the 04 election, dashing the fantasies of many conservatives). This is an easy way to possibly get names struck from the rolls, throw the bureaucracy into a tizzy and also drive turnout for your guy who are outraged at what Charlie Sykes is saying is happening in the city.

And on election day expect plenty of belligerent poll watchers challenging city voters on specious grounds and creating long lines that may turn away folks who, you know, have to get back to work.

And one can only guess at Walker's other machinations to suppress the vote in the city. Because keeping down the city vote is going to be critical to his reelection strategy. After all, if he loses, he's gotta go into the private sector.

Now, obviously the Brawler has no idea whether the people who pushed this report are in cahoots with, or even would vote for, Walker. Or if Walker or his people knew anything about it. But it's certainly an angle worth exploring.

Comments

[capper]

This indeed is a premise worthy of investigation. I would not be at all surprised to find out that Walker had foreknowledge of this report, and he may have even had influence in its timing. It is too characteristic of his standard mode of operations to be ignored, that is for bloody sure.

Good work as usual, Brawler.

[xoff]

I regret to say that I don't think Walker will need to suppress the city vote to win in April. Much as I wish it weren't true, I see little evidence that the Taylor campaign is going anywhere.

That, of course, doesn't mean he wouldn't do it anyway.