The Republican Party of Wisconsin (RPW) has filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission against Wisconsin Takes Action and Organizing Empowerment PAC for their violation of Wisconsin campaign finance laws.
During a recent Wisconsin Takes Action training session, a person explained, “Wisconsin Takes Action is focused on putting forth progressive ideas and implementing progressive laws, so, you know, we really are looking forward to her [Protasiewicz] as the candidate for this upcoming election.” The group is offering gift cards to community mobilizers if they contact a minimum of 60 friends and family about voting for Protasiewicz.
Wisconsin Takes Action and Organizing Empowerment PAC are in violation of state law by failing to file as a Political Action Committee (PAC) with the Wisconsin Ethics Committee. Wisconsin Statute (11.0502§1) clearly outlines all PAC’s that “makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose a candidate in a calendar year in an aggregate amount in excess of $2,500 shall file a registration statement.”
The Republican Party of Wisconsin released the following statement from Executive Director Mark Jefferson:
“The Republican Party of Wisconsin believes Wisconsin Takes Action and Organizing Empowerment PAC have undoubtedly violated state law through their shady scheme to elect liberal activist Janet Protasiewicz. Wisconsin law clearly requires third party groups that have spent over $2,500 to register with the Ethics Commission, said RPW Executive Director Mark Jefferson. “Transparency and ethics are vital to our elections, and we will continue to ensure that election laws are followed.”
Read the full complaint here.