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Is Horn Honking Protected Free Speech?

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A state parole agent says his daily horn honking outside Gov. Scott Walker's house in Wauwatosa is a matter of free speech.

But, a Milwaukee County judge doesn't see it that way.

A state trooper ticketed 36-year-old Azael Brodhead after he drove by Walker's house day after day, week after week, blowing his car horn, sticking his middle finger out of his sunroof and shouting "Recall Walker." Brodhead told the trooper he was simply exercising his 1st Amendment rights.

The Journal Sentinel  says Brodhead rejected a plea deal from the district attorney's office and took his case to trial. Last week, the judge found no precedent for constitutionally-protected horn honking.

Brodhead still makes his daily drive past Walker's house to shout his protest. Only now, he doesn't use his car horn.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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