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Federal judge hears challenge to election law changes

MADISON, WI (AP)--   An attorney challenging more than a dozen changes to Wisconsin election laws enacted since Governor Scott Walker took office is telling a federal judge they are discriminatory, 

embarrassing "and a stain on the history of the state."

The comments came during opening statements Monday in a trial challenging election law changes made since 2011.

Attorney Josh Kaul says those challenging the laws will present evidence showing the voter ID requirement and other new laws make it harder for blacks, Hispanics and other minorities to vote.

But Assistant Attorney General Clay Kawski says increased voter turnout since the laws went into effect disproves those arguments.

Kawski says Wisconsin election laws are "fair, easy to navigate and open to all."

The trial is expected to last into next week.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.