Gov's barbecue's net cost: $250 or less
So the governor's barbecue for the news media, it turns out, cost about $400. About 20 or so people reimbursed the cost of the food, so that's maybe $140-200 that came back. Net cost, worst case, is maybe $250.
Not quite in the same league as Scott Walker's $19,000 ticket giveaway. Walker gave more than $500 worth of tickets to the Green Bay Press Gazette alone, and didn't limit the freebies to the media. His defenders argue that was for a "public purpose" -- getting Walker some face time on outstate TV to improve his name recognition in his run for governor. (Oops -- they say it's to promote tourism. Right.)
Jessica McBride, who has been on the $250 barbecue scandal like yellow on mustard, obtained the costs and list of payees and deadbeats through an open records request. I won't bore you with the details, but the public probably wants to know that the most expensive food item was the $45 carrot cake. The open records request didn't ask who ate carrot cake, so that will remain one of life's little mysteries.
posted by xoff @ 8:19 AM
10 comments
10 Comments:
Is this about principle or price?
Since the Sykes-McBride rant on this has been about media bias and how Doyle wasn't treated the same as Walker, I think a comparison of cost and motive is appropriate.
Walker planned and carried out a statewide political trip at taxpayer expense. Doyle had 60 media types in for a burger.
See any difference?
"I think a comparison of cost and motive is appropriate."
I agree. Although Walker may have derived some political benefit for his trip, he also benefitted his county. He advertised Milwaukee and many people came to Milwaukee to enjoy the events and spend money in Milwaukee.
Doyle, on the other hand, held an event specifically to grease the media. The State derived absolutely zero benefit for its expense. And although some of the media may have reimbursed the state, it is worth noting that Doyle did not think to require such reimbursment. He was quite willing to give away tax dollars for the single purpose of political gain.
Let's just get this straight. I am partisan. I am basically a yellow-dog Democrat. But I don't think that changes the facts.
Walker stood to benefit personally from his statewide TV blitz much more than Doyle might have benefited from having a burger with a reporter he sees every day in the Capitol. Walker's goal wasn't to get Milwaukee tourist attractions on TV; it was to get Scott Walker on TV.
I assume by "benefit personally" you mean politically.
Governor Doyle's political motive would be better press. What was the public purpose?
Even if Walker's motive is as you claim, which I disagree with, at least there was a benefit for Milwaukee County. The tickets that were given away were used by people to come to Milwaukee and spend money. Plus, there were stories in the "out state" media about what was going on in Milwaukee.
Can you say the same about the little kiss-ass game that Doyle played with the reporters? If it weren't for the scandal, would anyone even know that it happened? As a Wisconsinite, what did I get for buying these reporters lunch?
At least Doyle could have the courtesy to dress up his taxpayer-funded political events as some sort of state business.
The GOP and conservatives have a major proportionality "problem," although they see it more as a tool than a problem by putting this stuff out to the public.
As with Clinton's sex in the Oval office, the small number of fraud voters that wouldn't even make up a base ball team, or the tiny number of molecules that make up a stem cell, the Rad-Cons know it is the little things that count, regardless if they matter or are even relevant.
Part of the problem is the "balanced" media that allows these mole hills to get any play in the first place.
The Governor's fete was no doubt good old fashioned hospitality, Walker's explanation for his Mardi Gras throws was good old fashioned horse crap.
Oh my you completely miss the point of the story.
Scott Walker comtinues to do something he has done, and one could argue is part of his job, promote his County. He is roasted in the press for it.
Jim Doyle holds a picnic for said press and all we hear is crickets.
Now you guys can keep doing the beat the Republican to the hilt while the Democrat gets a complete pass routine if you want. But it truly makes you look like ultra-partisan idiots. This has the consequence of making legitimate opinion look silly when considering the source.
Walker's trip had a purpose, promote the County. You want to ignore that, I guess it is your right. It was covered like a blanket.
The only purpose of Doyle's BBQ was to soften an already soft press. This story was ignored.
Seems pretty simple to me.
Which is worse?
Carrot cake, Yummm!!!
Can't you partisan types stop bickering for a moment and share some real info like where did the cake come from?
I'll bet it was delish and I'd like to know who got the carrot cake bid in Madison.
Follow the crumbs!!!
Nose for News
SUPER SCOTT WALKER SYCOPHANT CHALLENGE:
Name one other Wisconsin county executive who goes on a statewide tour to "promote tourism."
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