BRIGGS: Republicans in the key swing states of Michigan and Wisconsin under fire for trying to strip away the power of incoming Democratic leaders. In Wisconsin, Republicans are conducting an extraordinary session designed to limit the powers of incoming Democratic Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul. They're trying to require legislative approval for decisions traditionally made by the government and attorney general, including the promise to withdraw the state from a federal lawsuit against Obamacare.</s>ROMANS: Republicans defending their power grab, even though the issue was never raised when they won statewide offices.</s>ROBIN VOS (R), SPEAKER, WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY: The number-one priority for us is to make sure we restore the balance of powers between the two co-equal branches of the government.</s>SEN. SCOTT FITZGERALD (R), WISCONSIN SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: I'm concerned. I think that Governor-elect Evers is going to bring a liberal agenda to Wisconsin. And that --</s>ROMANS: Elections have consequences. Republicans in Michigan are also using a lame duck session to rewrite the rules. They could step in to defend a law allowing religious groups to refuse to place children up for adoption with same-sex couples. Incoming Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel has suggested she might not back that law in court.</s>BRIGGS: The inspector general at the Department of Justice confirms a senior official was allowed to retire after sexually assaulting a subordinate. The I.G.'s report says the unnamed official sexually harassed multiple female subordinates but was never prosecuted. In one instance, the official allegedly pressured an employee to have sex with him in exchange for a promotion. The I.G. concludes the official's actions amounted to ethical misconduct, sexual harassment, and sexual assault in violation of the law. But only says prosecution was declined without further explanation.</s>ROMANS: Department of Justice Department. Wow. That's something. That is something.</s>BRIGGS: Grotesque.</s>ROMANS: A little man with a big heart will host the Oscars in 2019. We'll tell you who.
Republican Party Under Fire in Michigan & Wisconsin