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Wisconsin court ruling in case involving Walker campaign may reshape state political landscape
In case the little boost the so-called Supreme Court gave to Walker with this ruling wasn't enough to make you sick...
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A court decision ending an investigation into the activities of Republican Gov. Scott Walker's recall campaign could transform Wisconsin elections - likely enabling closer ties between candidates and organizations that support them and possibly leading to more targeted advertising and favorable legislation for the groups, political strategists and observers say.
The ruling in the case involving Walker, now a presidential candidate, and outside groups backing him invalidated state election officials' belief that organizations that coordinate with candidates on issue advocacy must reveal their donations and follow fundraising limits as if the groups are an extension of the campaign.
That opens the door to unlimited spending by outside groups on advertising that campaigns will be able to direct and manage and the state can't track. Candidates could encourage donors who have reached their limit on direct contributions to donate to organizations working on their behalf.
"
Political donors) don't like the fact their names are disclosed. This way they can give secretly," said Jay Heck, executive director of the government watchdog group Common Cause in Wisconsin. "Why would you contribute a disclosed contribution of $10,000 when you can avoid the hassle of people knowing who you are and contribute an unlimited amount of money to an issue ad? This is a brave new world."
The ruling in the case involving Walker, now a presidential candidate, and outside groups backing him invalidated state election officials' belief that organizations that coordinate with candidates on issue advocacy must reveal their donations and follow fundraising limits as if the groups are an extension of the campaign.
That opens the door to unlimited spending by outside groups on advertising that campaigns will be able to direct and manage and the state can't track. Candidates could encourage donors who have reached their limit on direct contributions to donate to organizations working on their behalf.
"
Political donors) don't like the fact their names are disclosed. This way they can give secretly," said Jay Heck, executive director of the government watchdog group Common Cause in Wisconsin. "Why would you contribute a disclosed contribution of $10,000 when you can avoid the hassle of people knowing who you are and contribute an unlimited amount of money to an issue ad? This is a brave new world."Continue reading...
