MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The head of the state board that oversees elections in Wisconsin is defending its work amid calls from Republicans to overhaul the agency in light of a recent audit that detailed a variety of problems. Government Accountability Board director Kevin Kennedy discussed the audit with the board at its meeting Tuesday. Board chairman Tom Barland asked whether Kennedy believed elections duties should be separated from its requirement to enforce the state’s campaign finance, lobbying and ethics laws. Some Republican lawmakers have suggested making that change. Kennedy says one of the biggest benefits of the 7-year-old board is that it serves as a one-stop-shop for questions about elections, ethics and campaign finance laws that often overlap. Kennedy also defended the board’s nonpartisan structure. It is comprised of former judges.
