Posted on 12/31/2003 9:10:08 AM PST by JohnnyZ
Finley, others say sheriff is best candidate for the next Milwaukee mayor
Waukesha - Some of the biggest names in Waukesha County Republican politics are backing Milwaukee mayoral candidate David A. Clarke Jr. - regardless of what party label he wears.
Waukesha County Executive Dan Finley, county GOP Chairman Don Taylor and others toasted Clarke and opened their pocketbooks during a fund-raiser for his campaign Wednesday at a Waukesha hotel.
For those supporters, the fact that Clarke is a declared Democrat seems to matter very little.
"I absolutely believe he's the best choice for mayor of Milwaukee," Finley said Thursday.
Taylor noted that Clarke was appointed Milwaukee County sheriff last year by then-Gov. Scott McCallum, a Republican.
"If he's good enough for Gov. McCallum, he's good enough for me," Taylor said.
In all, about 50 supporters turned out Wednesday at the Country Inn Hotel & Conference Center to meet Clarke and contribute as much as $250 each to his campaign to succeed Milwaukee Mayor John O. Norquist.
The field of 11 mayoral candidates also includes Common Council President Marvin Pratt, former U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, Ald. Tom Nardelli and businesswoman Sandy Folaron, among others.
It is technically a non-partisan contest, but Clarke's political affiliation is an issue for some.
Citing the Waukesha event attended by prominent Republicans, the state Democratic Party on Wednesday accused Clarke of misleading Milwaukee voters by registering himself as a Democrat in last year's partisan race for sheriff.
The Barrett campaign continued the criticism Thursday, with the former Democratic congressman's campaign manager, Joel Brennan, saying that the sheriff was trying to deceive voters about his party loyalties.
"There's no evidence he's ever been a Democrat," Brennan said.
Clarke campaign manager Jeremy Cole denied those accusations and said the sheriff attended the Waukesha fund-raiser only as a way of raising money - not because he is a Republican.
"David Clarke really has support from people of both parties and every party," Cole said. "David Clarke is about change - not party."
State Sen. Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield), who attended the fund-raiser, said the episode shows that Democrats would rather "eat their own" than expand the party by welcoming new ideas or new constituencies.
Kanavas said he supports Clarke for his leadership ability, not because of any party label.
"I think he's been a Democrat his whole life," Kanavas said. "He isn't a member of my party - I know that."
Regional issues cited Citing the importance of cooperation between Milwaukee and the suburbs, Waukesha County leaders said they were getting involved in the Milwaukee mayoral race because the winner could affect regional relations.
Finley said he believes that Clarke, for example, would favor selling Lake Michigan water to the suburbs and expanding freeways in the region - both initiatives that Norquist has opposed.
"I'm very interested in getting the best mayor possible," Finley said. "That's in the best interests of the county - my county."
Finley, who was once a Democrat before getting involved in county politics, co-hosted the Clarke fund-raiser along with former Lt. Gov. Margaret Farrow, a Republican from the City of Pewaukee.
Farrow could not be reached for comment.
County Supervisor Walter Kolb of the Town of Waukesha, also a Republican, said he was happy to attend the Clarke event and write a $250 check to support the candidate, who he said could be "the best mayor Milwaukee ever had."
Kolb cited Clarke's record on crime, business and other issues, saying that party affiliation is not important.
"Sometimes it doesn't come down to Republicans and Democrats," Kolb said. "Sometimes it comes down to what can you do for the responsible, hard-working people of Milwaukee."
State Sen. Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield), who attended the fund-raiser, said the episode shows that Democrats would rather "eat their own" than expand the party by welcoming new ideas or new constituencies.
I hope they are not taking money out of the county GOP treasury and routing it to a fricking DEMOCRAT! More evidence that there isn't a dime's difference between the two parties.
The weasley clark spells his name with no 'e'. But I can see how "Milwaukee mayor" could have been taken to refer to the endorsers rather than the endorsee.
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