"Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi on Friday denied a Department of Justice lawyer's effort to halt Friday's hearing..."

"Assistant Attorney General Maria Lazar told Sumi the hearing should be delayed because the accused lawmakers are immune from civil process; because the court lacks authority to interfere with legislation before it is published and takes effect; because absent lawmakers are being denied their due-process rights; and because the Legislature is a separate branch of government...."