Assembly Republicans lift fundraising ban

MADISON (AP) - The Wisconsin state Assembly has agreed to lift a ban that had kept most of its members from raising money during the budget period.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports Friday that the Republican-controlled Assembly Organization Committee approved the decision on a 5-3 party line vote on paper ballot Thursday.

Under the new policy, Assembly members, as well as their campaign committees and support committees can raise money anywhere in Wisconsin except in Dane County, unless their district includes that county.

The vote to change the policy, in effect since 2009, was done on a paper ballot circulated by Republican Speaker Robin Vos. The Senate doesn't ban fundraising during the budget period.