Dick Wheeler, who died at his home this morning at age 67, knew the state Legislature better than the state Legislature. He was amused by it, annoyed by it, at times enraged by it. But he was as devoted to it as anyone ever elected to serve in its ranks.
Category: Money & Politics Column
Realtors collect cash for politics, but some members object
As Darcy Haber sees it, being a member of the Wisconsin Realtors Association is not an option; it’s a professional necessity. That’s why she’s upset that part of her past dues to the WRA have gone to groups she does not wish to support, as will an even larger share of future dues.
Insurance agents get back in the game
So far this year, 90 new PACs have been created, about the same number as during the previous four years combined. The lobbyist behind one reactivated PAC, Insuring Wisconsin, explains why his group has ramped up its political activities.
Walker recall could open spending spigot
Some Wisconsin residents are still reeling from this summer’s recall elections, in which spending on nine state Senate races was estimated at $44 million, or about $57 per vote. But, as a wise man once said, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Bill would nix donors’ need to name employers
Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) has introduced a bill to end the requirement that those who give more than $100 a year to state political campaigns disclose their principal place of employment.
Meet Michael Richards, typical lobbyist
Michael Richards sometimes finds himself telling people, “I’m not your typical lobbyist.” But in fact, that’s exactly what he is.
Special session bills serve special interests
Democrats reacted sharply to Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s decision to call the Legislature into special session to take up a slate of measures meant to put Wisconsin “back to work.” The Assembly’s minority leader pegged most bills as “payoffs to special interests” that do nothing to create jobs.
UW bias busters not open about funding
The other day I was asked if I knew where the Center for Equal Opportunity, which opposes affirmative action and bilingual education, gets its funding. It’s a good question.
Legislative aides help out with campaign cash
State legislative aides gave over $47,000 to legislative campaigns in the 2009-2010 election cycle. Why are aides significant donors to legislative campaigns? One answer is obvious: Their jobs depend on their bosses being reelected.
Road builders brew up public support
The Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, a powerful state lobby group, is taking its case for more and better roads directly to the people — by running ads during Badgers’ and Brewers’ games.
National Club for Growth gunning for Thompson
The term “outside special interests” gets bandied about a lot, but the national Club for Growth is the real deal. Meanwhile, Wisconsin Club for Growth has distanced itself from the national group’s efforts to kneecap Tommy Thompson.
Mining bill not a lobbying success story
Over the past six months, Gogebic Taconite LLC spent $114,883 lobbying state officials in support of its proposal to open an iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin. State Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, who represents the district where the mine would be located, says this was “a complete waste of money.”