This is an appalling case that has everyone in the state scratching their heads. What is it about Republican office holders who don’t feel shamed enough to leave office on their own, insist they’re innocent, and act outraged that so many people overreacted to the allegations. Now that 2 other victims have stepped forward, something Kratz could have easily predicted, he’s taken a leave of absence.
The fallout might go further up. For nearly a year Kratz's friend and colleague Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen did nothing. The Capital Times wrote this editorial:
Here's the GMA video:Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen should welcome and cooperate fully with an independent investigation of charges that he attempted to protect a political ally who stands accused of gross misconduct. To do otherwise would invite suspicion that Van Hollen engaged in activities that would merit his removal as attorney general … Van Hollen is a longtime political ally of Calumet County District Attorney Ken Kratz, who sent 30 text messages soliciting a sexual relationship with a domestic abuse victim whose case he was handling in his official capacity.
Van Hollen learned of the concerns regarding Kratz more than 11 months ago. Yet he did not refer the case to Gov. Jim Doyle, who has the authority to remove district attorneys ... Nor did Van Hollen take a lead in addressing the serious issues raised by the Kratz case, issues that go to the integrity of law enforcement in Wisconsin. Van Hollen has been linked to one of the most serious scandals involving a public official in recent Wisconsin history … an independent investigation is needed.
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