Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is openly discussing the possibility of replacing Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales, sources told "The Dan O'Donnell Show."
Morales' contract will expire in January, and Barrett has not yet offered him an extension.
"The Mayor is telling people in City Hall that he wants a Democrat as Chief," one source said, noting that President Trump considered appointing Morales as U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and that Governor Walker wanted to appoint him acting Milwaukee County Sheriff following the resignation of David Clarke in 2017. "Morales was never Barrett's choice."
Morales has never publicly discussed his political affiliation.
In May 2007, Barrett informed then-Police Chief Nanette Hegerty that her contract would not be renewed. Following a nationwide search, Edward Flynn was hired to replace her that November. Just a few months later, Barrett offered a ringing endorsement and Flynn became the first Chief ever to have his contract renewed (prior to 1984, Milwaukee Police Chiefs were given lifetime appointments).
Barrett strongly endorsed Flynn again in 2015 amid controversy surrounding the officer-involved shooting death of Dontre Hamilton.
By contrast, Barrett has offered no such endorsement of Morales and, sources said, has not yet met with Morales to discuss his status.
The uncertainty has federal law enforcement officers concerned as they prepare to coordinate security for the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee next summer.
"Federal law enforcement working on security for the DNC are nervous that they're working with the agency that will serve as the lead on security along with the Secret Service and the status of the Police Chief--along with his command staff--is in limbo," a source said.