The Capital Times rightly takes Democratic Governor Jim Doyle to task for raising money at a faster rate than former Governor Tommy Thompson (himself a record cash machine).

During his first 18 months in office, Doyle raised $2.4 million. That means that Doyle is collecting checks at a more rapid rate than did former Gov. Tommy Thompson, who until now had been recognized as the state’s most aggressive campaign fund-raiser.
“When you’re significantly out-raising Tommy Thompson, that’s saying something,” argues Mike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.
What it says, however, is not encouraging for campaign finance reform or good government in Wisconsin. Just like Thompson, Doyle has been raising large sums of money from individuals he has appointed to key positions in state government and from individuals and groups seeking favorable treatment from the state.

Wisconsin needs real economic and political leadership. Taking money from the entrenched interests does nothing to help our economic future. In fact, it often gets in the way.