Dear Editor:

In a recent opinion column, Representative Gary Sherman took exception to the failing grade he received from the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign for failure to fully disclose the legally required information about a $500 donor to his campaign ("Watchdog group should get the failing grade," May 1, The Daily Press).

Among his complaints, Representative Sherman said: "Apparently, to the WDC, only contributions of over $100 'count.'" The focus on donations of over $100 has nothing to do with what we think "counts." State law requires candidates to list the occupation and employer of all contributors who give over $100. If Representative Sherman feels this disclosure requirement should apply to smaller contributions as well, he should introduce legislation to that effect. We would welcome it. The more disclosure, the better.

Our grading standard was hardly too difficult. We gave out considerably more "A" grades than "F" grades. Many of Representative Sherman's colleagues were able to comply with the letter of the law 100% of the time. Anyone who wants to see our full report and the grades we gave to state officials can get the information online at: http://www.wisdc.org/july2001missing_employers_press_release.htm

Our report card has been harshly criticized by legislators from both major parties -- though, not surprisingly, the criticism has come from those who got F's and not from those who got A's. But we have been universally applauded by the state's newspapers. For example, the LaCrosse Tribune editorialized that there's "no excuse for lack of disclosure" and added the Democracy Campaign "has done voters a great service by ranking politicians on the openness of their fund-raising reporting."

The Wisconsin State Journal said, "It's not a tough law to understand.... Fill out the report, get an A; it's easy."

Our sentiments exactly.

Sincerely,

Mike McCabe

Executive Director
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
 
Return to Commentary