UPDATE: Wisconsin judge: Remove fake names from recall petition

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A Waukesha County judge has ordered state election officials to “take affirmative steps” to remove fake or duplicate names from recall petitions.

Judge Mac Davis ruled Thursday that the Government Accountability Board needs to strengthen the process by which it confirms whether signatures are valid.

The board has said its job is to verify that addresses are legitimate, and that it’s up to the targeted office-holders to challenge fake names such as Bugs Bunny. But Davis said the board is obligated to remove obviously fake names, as well as duplicate and illegible signatures.

The ruling comes in a lawsuit filed by Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign and another party, in response to comments the board made about how it plans to validate petitions seeking Walker’s recall.