Tommy, GOP invented 'Pay to Play'

Mike Ivey's column in the Capital Times nails it:

What a tremendous oversight to let the great Capitol Corruption Scandal pass without honoring the man who really introduced big money politics to Wisconsin: Tommy G. Thompson.

While liberal Democrats Chuck Chavla and Brian Burke were the first to take the fall - pleading guilty to using their legislative power positions to solicit campaign funds - it was Thompson and the Republicans who created the "Pay to Play" system still in effect today.

When Thompson was first elected governor in 1986, he and incumbent Tony Earl spent a combined $2.7 million on the campaign. Today, it's estimated $40 million will be spent by all parties involved once the dust clears here in the 2006 governor's race.

And when it came to shaking down business leaders for campaign cash, nobody did it like the Thompson crew.

Thompson mastermind Jim Klauser and wunderkind Nick Hurtgen understood early the connection between business and politics. From road builders seeking highway expansion jobs to Wall Street firms looking to underwrite bond deals, the rules were well known: If you want to sit at the table, better bring something for the guy hosting the party.

Earlier post: Fundraising scandal recalls the good old days.