Critics decry a plan by Assembly Republicans to use the Federal Election Commission as a model for overhauling Wisconsin's elections board.

The GAB, created eight years ago as an independent overseer of elected officials, may be headed for extinction.

Editor's note: This article appeared in the Wisconsin State Journal on Jan. 30, 2007, the sa…

A new model for elections, ethics oversight

The Government Accountability Board, which oversees elections, ethics, campaign finance and lobbying, would be split into two commissions under a Republican proposal unveiled Wednesday.

One commission would oversee elections and the other, ethics, campaign finance and lobbying.

Elections board

Four members of the board would appointed by Republican and Democratic leaders in the Assembly and Senate. Two more members would be former local election clerks appointed by the governor, who selects them from a pool of candidates nominated by legislative leaders. Third parties would get an additional member on the board if their gubernatorial candidate got enough votes in the last election.

Ethics board

Four members would be appointed by GOP and Democratic leaders in the Assembly and Senate. Two more members would be appointed by the governor, who selects them from a pool of candidates nominated by legislative leaders. Third parties would get an additional member on the board if their gubernatorial candidate got enough votes in the last election.

Senate confirmation

Each commission would nominate a top administrator who, unlike the current GAB head, would be subject to a confirmation vote in the Senate.

Fewer tools for investigations

The bill would end the current practice of giving the GAB open-ended funding to investigate alleged wrongdoing.