Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, on Friday signed sweeping legislation that weakens the power of the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general, dismissing a national outcry over what Democrats have characterized as a blatant power grab.
The legislation, passed this month in a lame-duck session by the Republican-controlled legislature, consolidates power in the legislature and strips it from Gov.-elect Tony Evers and Attorney General-elect Josh Kaul, both Democrats.
Walker, who signed the bill just 24 days before leaving office, said the impact had been overstated.
"There's a lot of hype and hysteria, particularly in the national media, implying this is a power shift," Walker said.