Mike Ellis' Words and Deeds

Neenah Senator Mike Ellis, a Republican with an independent streak, has been on a 10 year quest to reform Wisconsin's corrupt and corrupting method of electing public officials. While the governor and the Republican controlled Senate have been obstacles to reform, the Republican controlled assembly has shown contempt for even the idea of changing the system of legalized bribery that got them into the majority.

Because of Ellis' outspokenness on reform issues, you'd think that in an election year he'd only support reform candidates regardless of party affiliation, right? Of if he can only support Republicans, you'd think that his support would at best be lukewarm for Republicans who refuse to embrace reform, right?

Not so. 54th District Republican candidate Julie Pung-Leschke, the only candidate in the district to fail to complete the League of Women Voters/Common Cause/Wisconsin Democracy Campaign ethics survey, in her campaign finance report shows a $500 contribution from Mike Ellis. I'd say that's pretty enthusiastic support.

Leschke even received a PAC contribution from "Friends of Mike Huebsch"--a legislator who has been openly hostile to the kinds of reforms advocated by Ellis.

No one would expect Ellis to endorse Democrat Gordon Hintz, but giving $500 to a candidate who refuses to embrace reform calls into question whether Ellis really believes the rhetoric coming out of his mouth. Looks like he's just one more partisan Republican.