Walker raises millions to fight recall effort

JSOnline | 1-24-12 | Jason Stein & Patrick Marley

[afraidfortherepublic]

Madison - Gov. Scott Walker is raking in money at a pace not seen before in Wisconsin politics as he prepares to face the state's first-ever gubernatorial recall, taking in more than $4.5 million over five weeks.

In just over a year, Walker has raised more than $12 million in campaign donations - more than he spent to win the seat in 2010 - and despite sizable spending in recent weeks still has $2.6 million in cash in the bank, according to figures released Monday by his campaign. The Republican governor has traveled the country to raise money in recent weeks and has benefited from a quirk in the state's election law that allows elected officials facing recalls to raise unlimited amounts.

"Governor Walker's message of moving Wisconsin forward continues to resonate with voters," spokeswoman Ciara Matthews said. "It is this message, and the success of the governor's reforms, that have inspired people to contribute to his campaign in overwhelming numbers."

The six Republican candidates facing a recall had to file updated campaign reports by midnight Monday. Walker's campaign released its numbers ahead of the deadline.

State Democratic Party spokesman Graeme Zielinski said Walker was fueling his campaign with money from out of state - a similar charge to the one the governor has leveled against his union opponents.

"Scott Walker's hand is out to the corporate donors from New York and Texas who have funded his campaign against the working men and women of Wisconsin," Zielinski said. "His values, like his campaign moneys, are not from Wisconsin."

Recall drives were launched Nov. 15 against Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and four Republican state senators, and were triggered by their support for the governor's proposal - approved last spring - to sharply limit collective bargaining for most public employees.

[Venturer]

Cain is giving the TEA PARTY response

You are kidding I hope.

The thought sickens me.

[Venturer]

The thing I see in this Wisconsin fiasco is that we have a state with money problems and they are about to spend Millions on a recall election.

[wita]

we have a state with money problems and they are about to spend Millions on a recall election.

Well worth noticing, if not WHO exactly is the cause of the added expenditures.

Democrats take please take notice. I guess also at fault would be the ones responsible for allowing recall to be an option to thwart the results of an election. Shouldn’t the people be subject to the consequences of their vote, rather than having an out. Reminds one of the abortion logic. Screw up (no pun intended) and you get a mulligan.

[wita]

Thanks, I knew he was doing something.

[kickonly88]

Their money problems aren’t all that bad now that the Govs policy has been put in place.

[AU72]

The tens of millions being spent because of liberal activists are great for the PR and advertising industry but are siphoned away from charities and private investments that would have helped job creation and alleviate the unemployed.

[denydenydeny]

The leftist activists have adopted the tactics of the EU: If you lose a vote, keep voting and re-voting until you win.

[Venturer]

I agree , but why toss money down a rat hole.
{pun intended}