Local Dems stop illegal fundraisers for Republicans

A La Crosse Tribune article says Rep. Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) and Rep. Terry Musser (R-Black River Falls)cancelled fundraisers after local Democrats discovered that someone who works for an electrical co-op was listed as the contact.

Clark County Democrats obtained a fundraising letter from Clark Electric Cooperative General Manager Tim Stewart written on CEC stationery inviting people to attend the Taxpayers for Suder ice cream social July 24 in Greenwood. The letter called Suder “a very strong advocate for cooperatives in the legislature” and listed a CEC phone number as the RSVP contact.

That's a big no-no because of the link to the co-op. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think non-profit co-ops are allowed to engage in partisan political activities.

Suder and Musser say they had nothing to do with it. There could be an investigation so time will tell if they are being completely honest about it.

The fundraiser information at one point was listed as:

Taxpayers for Suder Mon. July 24
1-3 p.m. Clark County Park Greenwood
Ice cream social honoring a friend of cooperatives, State Rep. Scott Suder, hosted by Tim Stewart. Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP your attendance by July 13 by calling Tracy Nelson at (715) 267-5377 or toll free at (800) 272-6188 or by e-mailing tnelson@cecoop.com

Tim Stewart is the general manager and CEO of Clark Electric Cooperative. Though it doesn't mention Clark Electric Cooperative, he calls Scott Suder a "friend of cooperatives" and asks for attendees to RSVP to a co-op employee using co-op phones and e-mail including a toll free number.

The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Assocation also listed this fundraiser at one point:

Friends of Dave Zien Tues. July 18
4:30-6:30 p.m. Eau Claire Area
Location TBD Co-op sponsored gathering for Senator Dave Zien. Details to be announced at a later date.

but now doesn't seem to be listed on the website. Perhaps it too was cancelled after local Dems started asking questions.

Rumor also has it that some Clark Electric employees were being forced to work for the fundraiser even though it occurs during the work day. This and the use of the phones and letterhead could be considered an "in-kind" donation from the co-op and would be illegal donations since co-ops are not allowed to make donations like this to political campaigns.

Here is the letter sent out on the co-op letterhead. (Click on it to enlarge it)


And here is the invitation. (Click on it to enlarge it)