Money & Politics Column
Parting reflections on an urgent coverage area
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Mark Twain had a great line about Richard Wagner’s music being “better than it sounds.” Our political system is better than you would guess from listening to politicians.
Money & Politics Column
Did judge fail to report outside income?
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Outagamie County Circuit Court Judge Mark McGinnis’ Statements of Economic Interests do not appear to list police training session income from the city of Appleton for years in which other records show he was receiving substantial sums.
Money & Politics Column
Records: Lobby spending down; Walker had huge funding edge
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Wisconsin’s 700-plus registered lobby groups reported spending $11.5 million seeking to influence state law and policy in the last half of 2014. That brought total lobbying expenditures for the two-year legislative session to $57.5 million.
Money & Politics Column
Gov. Scott Walker sees end to sky-high spending in governor’s race
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Walker, a possible presidential contender, says this extraordinary spending owes to extraordinary circumstances, like the opposition he faced from unions and others. Absent these factors, “my guess is, at least in the gubernatorial election, I doubt you’re ever going to see something that high again.”
Common Core
‘Twas a night in Wisconsin
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Then, to their wondering eyes did appear
Gov. Scott Walker, being less than perfectly clear.
Money & Politics Column
Vos’ attacks on elections and ethics watchdog draw return fire
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The Government Accountability Board judges Vos says he’s looking out for disagree with his analysis and resent lawmakers’ failure to get their input — the very thing Vos accuses the GAB staff of doing.
Campaign Finance
Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson gives $650,000 to Wisconsin GOP as election draws near
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The Wisconsin Republican Party can use the funds from Adelson to benefit a single candidate like Republican Gov. Scott Walker, to whom individual contribution limits still apply.
Campaign Spending
Scott Walker, Mary Burke campaign cash buying more than just ads
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In the first seven months of this year, Walker spent $7 million to Burke’s $3.7 million. Downloading this data and crunching the numbers yields some useful information.
Reports illuminate lobby efforts; Wisconsin Property Taxpayers again top spender
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In the first six months of this year, Wisconsin’s 700-plus registered lobby groups collectively invested $14.1 million trying to shape state law or policy, according to new filings with the state Government Accountability Board.
Campaign Finance
Scott Walker tops Mary Burke in major and out-of-state donations
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Walker has raised nearly $4.6 million so far in 2014, or 55 percent of his total, from people who live in other states. That compares to Burke’s out-of-state total of $1.2 million, or 34 percent of her receipts this year.
John Doe probe
John Doe probe perceptions vs. reality
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The columnist has never encouraged the John Doe prosecutors. Neither has he disparaged them. He believes most public officials are honorable and entitled to the presumption that they are acting in good faith. That’s an unpopular view, but he’s sticking to it.
Money & Politics Column
State overlooks past, hires Accenture
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Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has drawn flak lately over his refusal to grant pardons. But, it turns out, his administration does believe in second chances.