Judge Temporarily Blocks Wisconsin Union Law

A Wisconsin judge issued a temporary restraining order today blocking the state's new and contentious collective bargaining law from taking effect. The judge's order is a major setback for Gov. Scott Walker and puts the future of the law in question. Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi issued the order, which was requested by that county's District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, a Democrat. Ozanne filed a lawsuit contending that the legislative committee that broke a stalemate met without the 24-hour notice required by Wisconsin's open meetings law. The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the measure and Walker signed it last week. (More Wisconsin stories.)