Donald Fish Public Statements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2002
The caucus system was NOT public financing
Today I read, in the Wisconsin State Journal, a quote attributed to Rep. Rick Skindrud (R-Mount Horeb), “That's what it (caucus system) was - it was public financing.” Based on my experience with the legislative caucuses, at least on the Democratic Party’s side, I believe such a statement to be ridiculous and self-serving.
True public financing creates an even playing field where everyone has an equal opportunity. The caucuses only played to incumbents and those anointed by the legislative leadership and party insiders. If you were challenging an incumbent in a primary; or an unwelcome maverick, an independent or a third party candidate in a general election; you would be out of luck. The caucus system provided a distinct advantage to those who controlled it.
Anyone who justifies the legislative caucus as public financing of political campaigns should reconsider their position. It is the opposite.