Fake Democrats cleared to run in recalls

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin election officials say that six Republicans running as Democrats in the upcoming recall elections should be allowed to stay on the ballot.

The recommendation came Monday from Government Accountability Board staff in a memo to the retired judges who sit on the board and will vote Tuesday on the issue.

The Republican Party recruited candidates to run as fake Democrats to ensure there would be primary races in all six contests. That way the general election for all six would be June 5, following a May 8 primary.

The attorney for Democrats filed a complaint saying the candidates committed fraud by claiming to be Democrats and should be denied ballot access.

But elections staff says there is no law prohibiting someone from doing what the candidates did.