Wisconsin's Democratic Party has filed an official complaint against Republican Gov. Scott Walker, alleging violations of state ethics and campaign laws.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has based much of its complaint on a prank call Walker took last month, with an east coast blogger impersonating conservative billionaire David Koch. During the call, Walker talks of holding off on planting "troublemakers" among the protesters because it could fire up calls for a settlement. He also asks if Koch can drum up more supporters for his legislation.
The call then wraps up with the Koch impersonator giving the governor an invitation.
"Well, I'll tell you what, Scott," laughs the blogger, "Once you crush these bastards, I'll fly you out to Cali (California) and really show you a good time."
"All right, that would be outstanding," responds Walker. "Thanks for all the support in helping us move the cause forward, and we appreciate it, and we're doing it the just and right thing for the right reasons and it's all about getting our freedoms back."
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"Absolutely," says the Koch impersonator. "And you know, we have a bit of a vested interest as well."
Mike Tate, chairman for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, says the Government Accountability Board needs to investigate Walker for coordinating illegal business with third parties, and doing so on state time and with state facilities. He also accuses Walker of conspiring to recklessly endanger public safety, referring to the "troublemakers" comment.
"We have a governor who we believe violated the law," says Tate. "And we believe this needs to be taken up by the authorities and examined thoroughly because this is a guy who's not just out of step with his politics in Wisconsin, he may have violated the public trust."
A Walker spokesman says the complaint lacks merit, and says it's "sad" that Democrats are obsessed with playing politics rather than helping the governor and legislature in boosting job creation across the state.
