Spectrum Brands began its successful quest for a $4 million award from the state without revealing its identity or that it was already based in Wisconsin, public records show. Its hired consultant also suggested that the backlash over Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s budget repair bill made his unidentified client reluctant to pick Madison — where it was, in fact, already located.
Author Archives: Bill Lueders
Posted inMoney & Politics Column
When is a ‘conflict’ not a conflict?
Mark Radcliffe is an attorney who represents High Country Sand, a Minnesota-based mining company, in a lawsuit filed Jan. 3 against Eau Claire County. He’s also a Democratic member of the state Assembly, which may soon take up a bill to revamp Wisconsin’s rules for metallic mining. He sees no reason not to vote, because it deals with a different kind of mining.
Posted inMoney & Politics Column
An independent’s take on the state Legislature
Bob Ziegelbauer, the lone independent among the Wisconsin Legislature’s 132 members, says raising money has never been a big factor in his political career, which spans three decades. But Ziegelbauer, who recently announced that he will not seek reelection this fall, does not deny the critical role that money plays in the political process.
Posted inGov. Scott Walker: Uniter, Divider, Government, Money & Politics
Man on a mission
Gov. Scott Walker’s sense of mission has often brought controversy. While his supporters say his boldness will be rewarded, his critics blame him for dividing the state. Part three in a three-part series.
Posted inEnvironment
Wetlands bill eases development, but worries environmentalists
Republicans in the state Legislature have unveiled a long-awaited bill to revamp state wetlands policy. The proposal, the subject of a Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism report published in November, would make it easier for developers to infill wetlands in exchange for what’s known as “mitigation,” the creation of new wetlands.
Posted inGov. Scott Walker: Uniter, Divider, Government, Money & Politics
Walker does it his way
Gov. Scott Walker says the main reason he’s held firm on core issues is that it was right: “The objective if you get elected is to do the things you said you were going to do for voters.” Part two of a three-part series.
Posted inGov. Scott Walker: Uniter, Divider, Government, Money & Politics
Love him or hate him
Gov. Scott Walker’s supporters and foes agree that he is not like most other politicians. The first governor in Wisconsin history to face a recall attempt is bolder, more focused, less cowed by criticism. Where they disagree is over whether this is a virtue or a vice. Part one of a three-part series.
Posted inMoney & Politics Column
Attorney conduct at issue in Gableman dust-up
Michael Gableman, the Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice, has been drawing flak over revelations that he received free legal help in an ethics case from a law firm representing clients with past and pending cases before the court. But, as the saying goes, it takes two to tango. If Gableman’s receipt of legal services from Michael Best violated state ethics laws, what can be said about Eric McLeod, the Michael Best lawyer who entered into this agreement?
Posted inMoney & Politics Column
What a $pectacular year it was!
For Wisconsin residents, 2011 was the kind of year that helps explain why the Chinese consider “May you live in interesting times” to be a curse. Amid all of the hubbub and strife, many of us found ourselves hoping that things would get a bit less interesting. As Wisconsin was thrust into the national limelight, the intersection of money and politics became a busy place.
Posted inGovernment, Money & Politics
Scott Walker: Regrets, he’s had a few
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, known for his toughness in defending his positions, acknowledged Friday that he’s made mistakes in how he’s gone about achieving his agenda. The Republican governor, now facing a recall effort, said he regretted not having done a better job of selling his changes regarding collective bargaining for public employees.
Posted inMoney & Politics Column
Ad campaign comes ‘close to the line’
In recent weeks, two conservative groups have run three television ads praising changes in Wisconsin’s relationship with its public employees. What’s unusual is not the message of the ads, but the tax status of their sponsors.
Posted inMoney & Politics
Out-of-state donors play growing role in supporting — and opposing — Walker
Scott Walker got elected mainly with the support of Wisconsin residents. But if there’s a recall election, whoever wins will have many out-of-state donors to thank.
Nearly half of the $5.1 million raised by the embattled Republican governor since July 1 came from outside of Wisconsin.