Capitol Report
By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
It’s a total disgrace and horrific public policy … pure and simple.
Last week, the Republican-controlled Assembly succeeded in ramrodding through legislation that would double campaign contribution limits to $20,000 and allow unlimited anonymous dollars to be given to issue advocacy groups, who may coordinate with candidates under the bill, making Wisconsin the first state to allow such coordination.
Not surprisingly, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, has contended that the bill puts the state on equal footing with neighboring states and protects the First Amendment.
The proposal passed on a 61-0 vote as Democrats recused themselves from voting on the bill.
However, this begs an obvious question: Will Wisconsin become rife in campaign donations from corporations and special interest groups trying to influence state elections?
We all remember what happened after the now infamous Citizens United decision was handed down by U.S. Supreme Court.
It resulted in a hand full of billionaires now having the ability to sandbag elections to advance their own political whims.
Truth be told, the top priority for Republican presidential candidates right now isn’t lining up voters – it’s locking down donors.
And, the big money men, and some women, will eventually determine how close each of these contenders can get to the White House.
Let’s be clear, Citizens United has led to a new era political fundraising. In 2012, the casino magnate Sheldon Adelson gave $15 million to a super PAC backing the former House speaker Newt Gingrich.
And, to further illustrate the obscene amount of money now pouring into political campaigns, two low-profile Texas brothers Farris and Dan Wilks) have donated $15 million to support Sen. Ted Cruz.
This is the largest known donation so far in the 2016 presidential campaign. Not to mention that Jeb Bush’s super PAC has raised $100 million this election cycle.
Wisconsin’s new campaign finance bill raises contribution limits ($20,000) and allows donors to contribute without disclosing their place of employment.
One can now argue, and rightfully so, that Wisconsin is now open for unlimited campaign corruption.