Scott Walker case shows growing closeness between politicians and wealthy allies

Scott Walker case shows growing closeness between politicians and wealthy allies

June 23, 2014, The Washington Post

Bob Lenhard is quoted regarding the campaign finance investigation of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

"Political parties, for instance, are restricted from joining forces with independent groups. Yet this year, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has tweeted out links to gauzy biographical footage of its candidates, along with suggested scripts attacking their GOP rivals — ingredients for ready-made TV spots to be produced and aired by outside super PACs. The GOP’s House campaign committee has a Web site with customized opposition research on Democrats, sorted by district, clearly designed to assist conservative organizations drafting attack ads."

"Campaign finance lawyer Robert Lenhard said he fields weekly queries from clients wondering about the boundaries of coordination. Political operatives are “looking over the fence, trying to see what the other folks are doing, not wanting to be competitively disadvantaged,” said Lenhard, a former FEC commissioner."