As the Republican Party of Wisconsin gleefully noted recently, likely Democratic candidate for governor Mary Burke is facing much fiercer criticism from members of her own party than is typical for gubernatorial hopefuls this early in the campaign cycle.
In a column last week, Cap Times editor Paul Fanlund noted the suspicion with which many in the party base view Burke, a multimillionaire and former Trek Bicycles executive. For several reasons, progressive activists see Burke as out of step with the anti-Walker movement that has defined the state Democratic Party over the past two-and-a-half years.
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For one, Burke’s entry to politics was paved with money, which bothers those who want to see less money in politics, not more.
Burke's wealth allowed her to retire early and dedicate her life to philanthropy and civic affairs, which in turn propelled her to a seat on the Madison school board. She spent a record $120,000 of her own money to finance her campaign. And now, it is no secret that her potential candidacy for governor is fueled by her ability to invest millions of dollars into her own campaign.
“The problem with this Burke candidacy is the infatuation (with) money,” wrote Jeff Simpson, a liberal blogger and member of the Monona Grove School Board, when rumors of Burke’s candidacy first emerged in July.
Milwaukee union activist Chris Liebenthal compared Burke to Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, who was elected with liberal support but has since angered many on the left by pushing for privatization of some county services and supporting a GOP-authored bill to downsize the county board.
“We already have seen with Chris Abele what can happen when an uber-wealthy corporate-minded person takes office,” he wrote last month. “I'd rather see a more populist type of candidate such as Senator Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, or Representative Chris Taylor, D-Madison.”
And while not a lot of Democrats are listening closely to embattled state Rep. Brett Hulsey, D-Madison, these days, the diss he recently threw at Burke over her involvement in an unsuccessful attempt to establish a controversial charter school in 2011 could resonate with progressives, particularly union members who feel it’s important to stand up for traditional public schools in the face of defunding and voucher policies proposed by Republicans.
John “Sly” Sylvester, a liberal talk radio host (WEKZ/FM) who last year fiercely criticized Burke in her school board race against a union-backed opponent, has largely avoided bashing her recently, perhaps in anticipation that he will have to support her against Walker. Last week, however, he let loose on his afternoon drive-time program:
"I'm supposed to trust some woman who outsourced jobs to China making Trek bicycles,” he said, referring to the fact that many Trek bikes are manufactured abroad.
Burke did not respond to a request for comment in response to Sylvester’s criticism.
