A source in the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has alleged that DWD Secretary Reggie Newson has ordered staff not to discuss new and disappointing data on jobs in Wisconsin until after the June 5th election. Reggie Newson’s assistant, Laurel Steinmeyer, said that Newson was “traveling to Milwaukee” and was unavailable for comment, and would not comment herself. Asked directly for a comment, DWD spokesman John Dipko refused to answer and said he would follow up “later today.” He has not followed up, nor have any members of the DWD Media Relations Department returned any calls asking for comment.

UPDATE, 6/1/12 2:16 PM: DWD still is refusing to comment on this story. Calls to the DWD Media Inquiry number ((608) 266-2722) are not being answered.