APNewsBreak: Lawyer says ’sexting’ Wisconsin DA will fight to keep job, argue others did worse

APNewsBreak: Lawyer says Wis. DA to fight for job

MADISON, Wis. — The attorney for the Wisconsin prosecutor caught sending racy text messages says if anyone tries to remove his client from office, he would argue other district attorneys have done worse and kept their jobs.

Attorney Robert J. Craanen told The Associated Press Monday he would fight any attempts to kick Calumet County District Attorney Ken Kratz from his post.

Kratz acknowledged last week he sent 30 text messages to a domestic abuse victim in three days.

Gov. Jim Doyle has said he was conferring with Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and reviewing the process for removal. If Doyle seeks to remove him for cause, Craanen says Kratz could contest the decision in a hearing.

Craanen says other district attorneys have committed more serious misconduct related to withholding evidence and kept their jobs.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin district attorney caught sending racy text messages to a domestic abuse victim is going on medical leave.

In a press release Monday, Calumet County District Attorney Ken Kratz said the length of the leave has not been determined.

The announcement comes after Kratz said Friday he would get therapy and take personal time off as the court calendar allows. But he also said he would be handling a sexual assault trial that was set to begin Wednesday and rejected calls from lawmakers and victims’ advocates to resign.

Kratz also said Monday he has hired an attorney to defend himself against a possible push from the governor to remove him from office.

He acknowledged last week he sent 30 text messages to a domestic abuse victim in three days.