Thanks to the great work by the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, it has become apparent that dozens of Walker supporters were illegally donating more that the $10,000 limit in campaign contributions during the 2010 election season. While being distorted with fact-free accusations by Walker apologists and the usual extremist right-wing stooges as “liberal”, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign has also investigated the Doyle administration in the past.
A review of Walker’s campaign reports covering his last gubernatorial election period from July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010 shows 10 contributors, including a donor Walker later chose as his state insurance commissioner, exceeded the $10,000 maximum that each was allowed to contribute to the campaign during the period.
In addition to the complaint against Walker’s campaign, the Democracy Campaign also filed complaints against each of the 10 contributors for exceeding the $10,000 limit on contributions they were allowed to give the governor during an election period. Finally, four of these contributors also were accused in complaints of violating the $10,000 annual limit in 2010 on campaign contributions an individual is allowed to make to all state and local candidates and political committees.
The complaints were filed with the state Government Accountability Board which enforces the state’s campaign finance, ethics and lobbying laws.
Topping the list of those who exceeded the election cycle contribution limit to Walker was Michael H. White of River Hills who gave contributions totaling $15,000, followed by Richard Pieper of Mequon whose contributions totaled $12,800 and Stephen Ziegler of Oconomowoc who gave $11,000.
Wisconsin campaign finance law, as indicated on the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, stated in the document “Campaign Finance Overview – State Candidates” shows the law:
Individual Contribution Limits
The individual contribution limits for candidates for statewide office vary. Candidates for state senate may not receive more than $1,000 from a single individual over the campaign period.Candidates for representative to the assembly may not receive more than $500 from a single individual over the campaign period. In addition to the limits for a specific office, an individual may not contribute more than $10,000 in a calendar year to any combination of Wisconsin candidates or political committees.
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