Attorney fees for prosecutors, judges in John Doe near $100,000: Jason Stein and Daniel Bice of the Journal Sentinel report: "Taxpayers have paid nearly $100,000 to defend Wisconsin prosecutors and judges against a federal lawsuit by targets in a secret campaign finance investigation into the 2012 recalls. And the final tally could easily be more than three times that figure. The conservative Wisconsin Club for Growth and one of its directors on Feb. 10 sued authorities carrying out the John Doe probe, arguing that it violates their constitutional rights to free speech and equal protection. Also, new filings in that case show Francis Schmitz, the special prosecutor in the probe, said he voted for Gov. Scott Walker in the 2012 recall race. It was also disclosed that Walker's opponent, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, had to forfeit more than $20,000 for a campaign violation." Read more.

Rep. Brett Hulsey casts more doubt on seeking re-election as he signs opponent's nomination papers: Judith Davidoff of the Isthmus reports: "In a move that casts further doubt on his intention to seek a third term in the state Assembly, Rep. Brett Hulsey (D-Madison) has signed the nomination papers for Mark Clear, a city of Madison alder who is running for Hulsey's seat. But Hulsey would not confirm Thursday whether that means he has decided against seeking re-election. 'I will announce next week,' he said in a text message. It is highly unusual for a candidate to sign an opponent's nomination papers. 'I've never heard of that happening before,' says Mike Basford, chair of the Democratic Party of Dane County. 'I would figure someone would sign their own nomination papers and make an opponent earn every signature they have to,' Basford says. 'It's all somewhat baffling.'" Read more.