Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) had a central role in a "criminal scheme" to violate state election laws, prosecutors allege in court documents made public Thursday. Walker and his cohorts "established a concerted effort to circumvent Wisconsin's campaign finance contribution prohibitions, limitations and disclosure requirements," during the 2011 and 2012 elections by raising and controlling money through a dozen conservative groups, according to the documents. By law, coordination between candidates and outside groups is prohibited.
The investigation has been ongoing since 2012, when Walker faced a recall campaign that failed to remove him from office.
Given his record as an unabashed conservative governor, Walker has been floated as a possible dark horse contender for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Even if the charges don't stick though, a prolonged investigation that stretches into primary season would likely keep a Walker campaign from ever getting off the ground.