Wisconsin’s Campaign Finance Landscape Transformed: Unlimited Donations Boost Democratic Gains Amidst GOP-Authored Laws
Madison, Wis. — In a contentious session of the Wisconsin Assembly in October 2015, Democrats raised alarms as Republicans sought to dismantle the state’s existing campaign finance laws. Under then-Gov. Scott Walker, Republican dominance had been solidifying, marked by legislative redraws favoring the GOP and weakening of union powers, key allies to their Democratic opposites. The proposed overhaul aimed to loosen restrictions on political donations, a move Democrats argued would disproportionately benefit the ruling GOP. Figures in the Democratic party expressed concerns that this was a calculated maneuver to entrench Republican power further. For instance, … Read more