Madison - Who says members of the legislature weren't busy last fall? Incumbent office holders raised almost $2 million in the last six months of 1997. Those dollars pushed war chests to a whopping $4.4 million mark heading into the fall elections.

The non-partisan Wisconsin Democracy Campaign reviewed reports filed at the state Elections Board last week. The WDC found that a total of $1,890,785 poured into the campaign coffers of Wisconsin's elected officials. Constitutional officers raised a total of $1,030,019 while members of the legislature raised $860,766.

Wisconsin's five constitutional officers had war chests totaling $2,532,439 at the end of 1997. The 132 legislative incumbents had $1,873,407 in their campaign accounts. (Table 1)

Representative Thomas Sykora (R-Chippewa Falls) infused more than $100,000 into his campaign committee in late December. "He sent a shot across the bow of any would-be challengers almost a full year before the election," said Gail Shea, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. Only two candidates for the State Assembly spent more than $100,000 in the 1996 elections. "Using personal resources to scare off challengers does not serve the voters' interest in competitive elections and vigorous debates on the important issues in a campaign," said Shea.

Sykora's cash balance at the end of 1997 was $104,674. Senator Michael Ellis (R-Neenah) upped his cash on hand to more than $125,000. Governor Tommy Thompson claimed a war chest of $1.9 million. (Table 3)

The WDC found that Gov. Thompson raised a total of $851,854 - almost as much as was raised by all 132 legislators combined. Senator Kimberly Plache (D-Racine) led all state senators in fund raising. Thomas Sykora raised more than any other state representative.

"No wonder the public is so cynical," said Shea. "While campaign finance reform gets plenty of lip-service in the Capitol, incumbents are tracking down big money for 1998."

Shea said it is time to put an end to the political arms race in Wisconsin. "We need spending limits and a recharged system of public grants. Campaign finance reform that is based on those two ideas will level the playing field and free incumbents from constantly seeking special interest money. Voters will have more choices at the ballot box. Legislators will go to Madison without dividing their loyalties between cash constituents and voting constituents."