Several people protest outside Racine County Courthouse in support of Harry Wait

 

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Protesters and supporters held signs outside the Racine County Courthouse Friday afternoon as another hearing was underway for Harry Wait. Wait is accused of committing election fraud by ordering absentee ballots in the names of the mayor and state assembly speaker. Wait says he did so to prove a point.

Well, the story of the day isn't that Harry Wait was in court here in Racine County. It was more so that it's about the growing amount of support he's receiving from all around the country.

To some he's a hero.

"He's the whistleblower and now they're gonna throw him in jail for it," said Moke Zeigler of Suring, Wisconsin.

Moke Zeigler drove down from Suring, Wisconsin. We met people in this room from Wausau, Langlade, Kenosha and Wind Lake. They wore "Free Harry" shirts and buttons and plan to be back, as they see it, to protect America.

"Take heed please. This is America. We got to protect America. It's not about Harry. It's about (overcome)," said Al Timm of Milwaukee.

"I don’t believe this is a real crime. This is not a crime of will or intent. This is simply a crime of civil disobedience to make a point. It's no different than Rosa Parks," said Orlando Algonso of Wausau.

Friday's hearing lasted a matter of minutes. The head of a group called "Honest, Open, and Transparent Government", Harry Wait originally intended to represent himself, but Dan Hartman took the case.

"Well his support isn't limited to Wisconsin. That's why I'm here from Michigan. It's a national issue and a national concern," said Dan Harman, Wait's defense attorney.

The case has received national attention, giving supporters in this room, all the more reason to press forward.

"The grinding powers of government are silencing opposition. It's as simple as that," said Alfonso.

"And what I will say with what Harry has raised as an issue, the fact that he's being prosecuted is not a surprise to anybody," said Hartman.

Harry Wait is due back in court Oct. 21.