Walker Investigation

BREAKING: MAJOR REVELATIONS IN JOHN DOE PROBE - Scott Walker Mistakenly Admits He is Under Investigation

Walker Investigation — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:15:13 -0700

Following reports that Scott Walker’s criminal defense fund grew by $100,000 in May, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is today reporting major revelations in the John Doe criminal corruption probe, including Scott Walker’s mistaken admission that he is under investigation.

--Scott Walker mistakenly admits that he is a target in the John Doe criminal corruption probe

Walker, in a rare moment of candor, stated to reporters that he would not use the criminal defense fund to pay for the legal defenses of his aides, who have been charged with crimes ranging from child enticement, to theft from veterans and the families of fallen soldiers, to misuse of taxpayer resources to illegally campaign for Scott Walker, and would instead use the funds for himself or his campaign.

Wisconsin law is very clear: an elected official can only establish a legal defense fund if they, or their agent, are under investigation for, charged with, or convicted of violations of Wisconsin’s campaign finance and election laws.

Nothing provides for an elected official creating a legal defense fund for the sole purpose of campaign compliance, assisting the prosecution or aiding an investigation, as Scott Walker claims he is doing.

Since he is not paying for the defense of an agent acting on his behalf, it is now clear that Scott Walker is under investigation.

--The homes and offices of top Walker administration officials homes have been raided by prosecutors

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is also reporting that prosecutors in the criminal corruption probe have raided the homes and offices of several top Walker officials.

Kelly Rindfleisch, who has been charged with four felonies for using taxpayer resources to run Scott Walker’s political machine, has failed in her bid before the state Appellate court to transfer her trial to a county with a Republican judge.

Rindfleisch’s trial will be held in October in Milwaukee County.

In its report on Rindfleisch’s trial, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for the first time references raids by prosecutors on the homes and offices of Rindfleisch, as well Jim Villa, a longtime Walker confidante, and Brett Davis, Walker’s preferred Lt. Gov. candidate and current Walker administration official.

It was previously reported that prosecutors raided the home of another Walker administration official, Cindy Archer.

ICYMI: Watergate Prosecutor Says No One But Scott Walker Stopping E-Mail Release

Walker Investigation — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:37:03 -0700

Leading former prosecutors, including a member of the Watergate prosecution, said Tuesday that the only one stopping Scott Walker's release of emails from a secret computer network system — is Scott Walker himself.

Frank Tuerkheimer, who also is a distinguished professor of law at the University of Wisconsin, joined former Wisconsin Attorney General and U.S. Attorney Peg Lautenschlager and former Kenosha District Attorney Bob Jambois in examining Walker's failure to release hundreds, if not thousands, of emails that could show evidence of bid-rigging or other crimes now being investigated in the secret John Doe investigation.

Among other deceptions, Walker has not answered whether he is a target of the investigation; who is bankrolling his defense; whether he is being criminally investigated by federal prosecutors; and even the reasons WHY he is the only governor in the United States with a criminal defense fund.

He has ducked calls for release of the secret emails by hiding behind unverified calls by prosecutors. Read more about the high-powered contradiction to Walker's self-serving evasions here.

BREAKING: WisDems Research Contradicts Scott Walker Bid-Rigging Evasions

Walker Investigation — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:28:00 -0700

In the face of bombshell revelations in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today raising questions about Scott Walker's role in a bid-rigging scheme, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Tuesday released internal county documents directly contradicting Walker's explanation of his role in the scandal.

Internal documents released today show that:

Hiller’s questionable involvement seems to have played a key role in the controversial and troubling bidding process.
Another property was actually the original low bidder in the process until the Walker administration took the questionable action of doing a “best and final” offer, as requested by Hiller.
Regardless of the outcome of the bidding process, or what potentially incriminating evidence was discussed between Walker and Hiller in their email exchanged seized by prosecutors, County documents reveal conclusively that Hiller corrupted the bidding process, and that he traded on his close, personal relationship with Scott Walker to do so.

In January 2012, it was reported that John Hiller lobbied on behalf of his clients, The Boerke Group, for the county opportunity in 2005, including conversations with top Walker administration officials and requests of the County Board for a “best and final” round of re-bidding.

Walker, who has previously and untruthfully said he cannot comment on the ongoing John Doe corruption probe, nevertheless released a statement suggesting the propriety of a process in which his campaign treasurer and longtime confidante John Hiller sought and received special treatment in a real estate bid.

"The county, under my administration, opted not to take any of the bids that were offered and instead consolidated space at county facilities and saved the taxpayers money," Walker said. "That is a true and factual statement that goes beyond what was being reviewed."

"Only Scott Walker knows what he has told prosecutors about his role in potential bid-rigging," Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said Tuesday. "The new information released today directly contradicts the version of events that Scott Walker would have us believe and adds to the urgency of the call that Scott Walker release his secret emails."

Memo to Reporters: “Bombshell” Email Exchange With Top Adviser John Hiller Suggests Scott Walker is at the Heart of Criminal Corruption Probe

Walker Investigation — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:10:07 -0700

To: Interested Reporters

Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2012

From: Melissa Baldauff, WisDems Research Director

Re: Memo to Reporters: “Bombshell” Email Exchange With Top Adviser John Hiller Suggests Scott Walker is at the Heart of Criminal Corruption Probe

A breaking investigative report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel suggests that Scott Walker is at the heart of the John Doe criminal corruption probe that has charged six Walker associates with 15 felonies.

The report discusses an email exchange between Walker and longtime adviser, John Hiller, over a County contract that is under investigation for potential bid-rigging.

Hiller, a realtor, longtime Republican operative and campaign advisor, served as Walker’s campaign treasurer from 1993 until his abrupt resignation in May 2011, just weeks after Walker’s spokesman, Cullen Werwie, was granted immunity in the John Doe criminal corruption probe. Hiller is the former Chair of the Milwaukee County Republican Party, was a volunteer member of President George W. Bush’s Advance Staff, and served on the state steering committee for Bush in 2004.

Hiller also served as Walker’s transition team director in 2010.

In nearly two decades by Walker’s side, John Hiller has been involved in more than just one illegal or unethical scheme on Walker’s behalf.

Real Estate Connections and Questionable Real Estate Deals

The John Doe appears to be looking into the bidding process for moving the County's Department of Aging into private facilities. Hiller worked for building owners that were at the center of the bidding in both 2005 and 2010, and Villa’s Markesan Group lobbied on real estate deals. Some suggest that in this area the John Doe is looking for bid-rigging and other possible corruption.

Particularly, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on January 25, 2012 outlines a bid competition to house the county's Department on Aging in private office space. John Hiller lobbied on behalf of the brokers at the Boerke Company, including information on which county supervisors to approach to prompt a re-bidding of the deal.

As reported by the Journal Sentinel:

“Hiller, himself a real estate broker and developer, said he "probably" pointed the Reuss owners to the county opportunity, and discussed the situation with Dennik. Hiller told the newspaper in 2005 he was hired by the Reuss owners to develop strategies to fill empty offices there.

Hiller at the time downplayed his own role, but said he advised Boerke Co. on which county supervisors to approach to prompt a re-bidding of the deal. Hiller said he called Rice, another of Walker's close allies, to urge him to talk to Boerke Co. about doing a "best and final offer" round.

Records show Jensen wrote a letter to key supervisors, including Rice, who later made the motion to reopen the bidding, citing potential savings.

Meanwhile, the Markesan Group - a lobbying firm set up by former Walker chief of staff Jim Villa - lobbied on the 2005 deal, according to Dennik. It couldn't be determined if Villa personally lobbied for it.

Villa left the firm in December 2003 to do Walker campaign work, but in August 2005 - in the midst of the Aging Department bid process - returned to the county executive's office.”

Milwaukee Private Industry Council

Walker appointed Hiller to serve on the Board of the Milwaukee Private Industry Council in March 2003. The Private Industry Council represents government, business, education, non-profit and labor interests in overseeing employment and training programs, funded mostly by federal grants.

In 2004,Walker signed a resolution to guarantee a $1 million loan that enabled the PIC to buy and improve a building.

In 2007, control of the Private Industry Council was transferred from Milwaukee County to the City of Milwaukee, following criticisms of the Council’s workforce development efforts and a UW study citing a “lack of leadership.”

Hiller Cashing in on Walker Connections?

John Hiller is not listed as a lobbyist with the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County or the State of Wisconsin. However, a Hiller advertisement in a 2008 newsletter for the Commercial Association of Realtors certainly sounds like he was operating a lobbying firm. “JM Hiller Consulting LLC provides real solutions to your business needs with local government,” the ad reads. It goes on to list services that aid in project approval, zoning, grants and awards. The ad goes on to tout that Hiller has “…over 20 years of business and political experience to assist you in navigating the maze of local government…”[Commercial Focus newsletter, June 2008]

John Hiller has certainly not been shy in continuing to leverage his close connection to Scott Walker since he has become governor. For example, the official calendars for members of Walker’s cabinet include meetings with Hiller, before and after his resignation from Walker’s campaign. Examples of these calendar entries include:

Corrections Secretary Gary Hamblin met with John Hiller on April 8, 2011
Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith met with John Hiller and Maximus representatives on June 10, 2011

On Hiller’s Watch, Walker Got the Second Highest Ethics Fine

Scott Walker bears the dubious distinction of receiving the second highest ethics fine in state history.

That fine came as a result of a complaint over Walker’s questionable use of robo calls. Walker’s campaign paid for some 40,000 calls in November 2004. The calls asked voters to contact their county supervisors and demand that they support Scott Walker’s budget proposals.

Although the robo calls were paid for by Walker’s campaign, Hiller, as campaign treasurer, failed to include the mandatory disclosure so that individuals would know who was responsible for them. Milwaukee County Supervisors John Weishan and Gerry Broderick filed a complaint with the state Elections Board.

In August 2005, the Elections Board voted 5-3 to fine the Walker campaign $5,000 for their failure to include a proper disclosure on the calls. That ethics fine was the second largest in state history. Walker and his campaign paid the fine but protested it saying that it was motivated by partisanship. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Elections Board fines Walker Campaign $5,000,” 8/4/05)

Hiller’s Convenient Finance Reporting for Walker Campaigns

The above mentioned failure of the Walker campaign certainly wasn’t the first or last time that such reporting failings have occurred. Scott Walker’s various campaigns have continually failed to properly report important items in their required filings.

In 2002 and 2003, Walker’s campaign failed to identify the occupations of approximately 57 donors that gave more than $100 to his campaign. One of those donors reportedly was Bruce Pfaff, who eventually managed Walker’s first gubernatorial campaign. Walker and other elected officials received failing grades after a 2002 analysis by the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

The failing grades were based on the total number and value of improperly reported contributions. (Capital Times, “Gov Donor Errors Cited Other Pols Criticized, Too,” 5/14/02; Milwaukee Rising, “Scott Walker cheats on campaign finance form,” 7/26/06)

In 2004, the Milwaukee County Election Commission repeatedly had problems with Walker’s campaign finance filings.

A June 16, 2004 meeting of the Election Commission addressed reoccurring problems with Walker’s campaign finance reports. The issue of “vague explanations of the expenditures” was raised during that meeting, as well as the general lack of communication by Walker campaign officials. The meeting also cited “reoccurring problems with the reports”.

In a June 25, 2004 letter from the Election Commission, the Walker campaign was asked a large list of questions regarding a recent filing. Some of the issues involved missing entries for employers of contributors, incomplete name listings and one contributor who was listed as giving an “anonymous donation.” A hand written note on this letter indicated that the campaign planned to resolve these issues by the end of that week. A later handwritten note on that same letter indicated that the campaign failed to keep that promise.

In another letter from the Election Commission, dated December 1, 2004, they warn the Walker campaign that if the updated finance reports “are not filed in this office by Thursday, December 9, 2004 by 5pm, you will be called before a special meeting of the Commission.” Handwritten notes on that letter indicate that the Chairman extended the deadline for the Walker campaign but even that deadline was later missed.

During Scott Walker’s initial campaign for Governor, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign did another analysis of his campaign finance filing. Once again they stressed his repeated problem of not listing critical pieces of information.

Specifically, they found that Walker “failed to follow state law by not disclosing the occupations and employers of contributors who made 114 donations to his campaign totaling $75,850. WDC particularly questioned missing information for well known Republican leaders like John Savage and Jim Klauser. (Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, “He Owes His Soul to the Company Store,” 12/1/05)

Scott Walker’s pattern of conveniently ignoring proper reporting requirements didn’t stop with his second and eventually successful campaign for governor. An analysis of his July 2009 campaign finance filing for example found a much higher level of negligence. It included missing information for the following:

2 contributions of $10,000, the maximum allowed under the law.
30 contributions between $2,500 and $1,000 totaling more than $38,000.
235 Contributions between $750 and $200 totaling more than $71,000.

After the Walker negligence was publicly reported, the Walker campaign announced that it would amend the filing including the missing information. (One Wisconsin Now, “Over $172,000 in Walker Contributions Violate Campaign Finance Reporting Laws”, 8/11/09; AssociatedPress, “Scott Walker campaign working to fix fundraising report,” 8/11/09)

Progressive advocacy group One Wisconsin Now continued to analyze Walker’s campaign finance records throughout the 2010 campaign for governor. They found that his campaign improperly reported well over $500,000 in contributions from inside and outside Wisconsin. The organization also filed a formal complaint with the Government Accountability Board regarding Walker’s serial breaking of campaign finance laws in the area of proper disclosure. (One Wisconsin Now, “Walker Goes Over $500,000 in Improperly-Reported Contributions”, 10/25/10; OWN Complaint to GAB, filed 9/7/10)

MEMO TO REPORTERS: Scott Walker Debate Doe Evasions Raise More Questions

Walker Investigation — Sat, 26 May 2012 12:01:52 -0700

TO: Interested Reporters

FROM: Graeme Zielinski, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Communications Director, with Bob Jambois, Former District Attorney of Kenosha County

At last night's televised debate, Scott Walker again faced fair and serious questions about his role in the ongoing John Doe corruption probe and again dodged questions in a way that raised more questions than answers.

Twelve individuals, many of them current and former top aides to Walker, have been granted immunity in a prosecution that has netted one conviction and one guilty plea of among six charged with 15 felonies. Walker has only evaded questions about the merit of the complaints.

Earlier this week, Walker again said that he can't talk about his potential criminality because of Doe prosecutors.

DEBATE STATEMENT: "We haven't been the target of this." (1:49)

FACT: The only way that Scott Walker can know for certain — and offer proof to the public for certain — that he is NOT the target of the John Doe prosecution is if he has been granted formal "transactional immunity," or he has been granted a letter from prosecutors or a letter granting informal immunity.

Several members of his administration, including his own spokesman Cullen Werwie, have been granted use immunity under Wis. Stat. 972.08 and 972.085, in exchange for their truthful testimony. Practically, it is unheard of for those granted use immunity to be a target. In any case, use immunity is a public matter and to date, there have been no public hearings on Walker use immunity.

QUESTIONS FOR THE PRESS: Given that Scott Walker has said with certainty, and made frequent representations to the public that he IS NOT TARGETED BY THE CORRUPTION PROBE, does this mean that he has been granted "transactional immunity?"

Has Scott Walker been granted a letter by prosecutors telling him he is NOT a target?

Or, more likely, is Scott Walker merely telling the public things he cannot know and is he hiding behind confusion about Doe secrecy? Or, DOES Scott Walker know and is he lying?

STATEMENT: Walker this past week said again that he had been instructed by prosecutors to not comment on his role in the Doe prosecution. "When I talk about a topic like this it is like fighting a fight with both hands tied behind my back. Because there are a lot of things that I would love to say but I don't want to violate the terms of being able to cooperate with him and his team." (1:50)

FACT: Unless he has testified before a John Doe judge or is part of a broad secrecy order, there are no secrecy requirements binding Scott Walker from answering any question about his role in the corruption probe. Even IF he has testified, Scott Walker is only bound from talking about his testimony.

QUESTIONS FOR THE PRESS: Has Scott Walker been ordered by the John Doe judge to comply with a secrecy order under Wis. Stat. 968. 26?

If not, why is he making representations to the press that are not truthful?

Has Scott Walker testified before the John Doe judge?

If so, when did he testify?

And, is it the claim of Scott Walker that prosecutors have, without any legal authority, forbid him from clarifying Walker's own role in a corruption probe? Is Walker then suggesting misconduct on behalf of prosecutors?

WisDems Release Scott Walker’s Crime Stats Fact Sheet

Walker Investigation — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:30:32 -0700

Scott Walker has ducked, dodged and deflected any attempts to get straight answers and honest information from him about his knowledge of and/or involvement in crimes that were central to his rise to political power, so the Democratic Party of Wisconsin today released a fact sheet on Scott Walker’s Crime Stats.

Scott Walker’s Crime Stats, available for download here, detail some disturbing facts and figures about the John Doe criminal corruption probe and the penalties The Walker 6 might face for illegally running Scott Walker’s political machine.

Some key findings:

2: Convictions to date
6: Walker aides and associates charged
15: Felonies committed by The Walker 6
77: Days since Scott Walker started his criminal defense fund
91.5: Years in prison The Walker 6 could face
1,000+: Number of emails Kelly Rindfleisch exchanged with Walker’s campaign managers while on taxpayer time
1,380: Number of fundraising emails Kelly Rindfleisch exchanged on taxpayer time
$62,232: Amount stolen from veterans and the families of fallen soldiers by Tim Russell and Kevin Kavanaugh
$192,178: Stolen from Milwaukee County taxpayers by Tim Russell and Kelly Rindfleisch to run Scott Walker’s political machine
$270,000: Amount in fines The Walker 6 could face

“The people of Wisconsin deserve to know whether their governor is a criminal,” Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said Thursday. “Scott Walker needs to come clean about his knowledge of and/or involvement in crimes that defrauded the taxpayers and robbed our veterans and their families. If Scott Walker truly has nothing to hide, he can put all speculation to rest by immediately releasing his emails so the people can see for themselves.”

N.J. Gov. Chris Christie Wades into Scott Walker's Growing John Doe Corruption Scandal

Walker Investigation — Tue, 01 May 2012 09:05:29 -0700

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was set to wade into the growing John Doe criminal corruption scandal today when he rallied for Scott Walker at the business of a supporter who allegedly was robbed by Walker's longtime top political aide, who would go on to steal from veterans.

Read the rest at the Wisconsin Democratic Party.

Video Shows How Walker’s Political Machine Seeks to Undermine Judicial Independence, Interfere with Corruption Probe into Walker Administration

Walker Investigation — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:11:36 -0700

Shocking new video obtained by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin uncovers a cynical, hidden plot by Scott Walker’s political machine to undermine judicial independence and interfere with the unprecedented John Doe criminal corruption probe into Scott Walker’s administration that has required Walker to form a criminal defense fund.

Hush Money: Is Walker Providing Aid to Cronies Charged With Crimes?

Walker Investigation — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:47:30 -0700

MADISON -- New questions were raised after a report Monday in WisPolitics.com about a "third party" payee in the criminal defense of top Wisconsin Republican officer and longtime Scott Walker crony Tim Russell.

Scott Walker Channels Richard Nixon in Self-Serving Jobs Claims

Walker Investigation — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:46:23 -0700

Richard Nixon led the public to believe that only his reelection would end the war in Vietnam. Now, channeling that spirit of self-serving dishonesty, Scott Walker yesterday told the WisPolitics.com political news website that his terrible record of job creation will only end if he is reelected.

Scott Walker came into office without a credible jobs plan and his lack of focus was borne out by Wisconsin leading the nation in job loss in 2011.