NEWS
Thiel leads fundraising
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Courtney Johnson:
- Construction pops up on State Street this spring (November 6, 2007)
- Woods ahead in fundraising race (March 28, 2007)
- E-mail sparks privacy concern (October 9, 2007)
- Big Ten Network reaches deal with UW housing (August 31, 2007)
- City agency to run Halloween entertainment (May 10, 2007)
Related Stories:
- Alder advocates for west side (February 12, 2007)
- Woods ahead in fundraising race (March 28, 2007)
- Council race draws last-minute support (March 26, 2003)
- Candidate breaks campaign sign rules (March 30, 2005)
- Chamber of Commerce makes its picks (February 8, 2007)
Share This:
by Courtney Johnson
Thursday, March 29, 2007
With all campaign finance reports due Monday to the City Clerk, District 5 aldermanic candidate Troy Thiel leads his opponent, Ald. Robbie Webber, in campaign fundraising.
According the reports, Thiel has raised $8,553, compared to Webber's $4,742.
The nearly $4,000 difference in funds was not the only contrast to be found between the two campaign finance documents. According to the reports, Thiel received much of his money through conduits — organizations that have registered with the State Elections Board in order to solicit funds from individuals on behalf of candidates.
Of Thiel's $8,553 in campaign contributions, campaign finance reports documents say approximately $3,500 came from conduits, including the Wisconsin Realtors' conduit.
Webber reported receiving no money from conduits.
Thiel did not respond to repeated interview requests from The Badger Herald as of press time.
However, Webber said she chose not to raise any money through conduits.
"I don't have any conduit money at all because I just don't believe in it," Webber said. "I think it's kind of a frightening idea to have a bundle of checks from an organization, and they're like, 'Oh, by the way, these are all from the same industry.'"
Conduit money is different from political action committee money, as there is a limit in local races of $200 in PAC money.
However, an unlimited amount of money can come from a conduit in an aldermanic race, as long as no more than $250 is cited from one individual person.
"They're individual checks, they are from individual people, but then that organization sends all those checks with a letter that says 'These checks are these groups' (checks),'" Webber said. "And to me, this is a way of getting around the limit on PAC donations."
Thiel, a Realtor with First Weber Reality, has received the endorsement of the Dane County Democratic Party Executive Board, among other organizations, and the support of several Madison alders, including Ald. Lauren Cnare, District 3, and Ald. Zach Brandon, District 7.
He is challenging Webber in the April 3 election.
Anonymous (March 29, 2007 @ 4:02pm):
Haha, Thiel is such a tool. I can't wait until he loses!
Anonymous (March 29, 2007 @ 5:32pm):
Robbie Weber is INSANE
Anonymous (March 29, 2007 @ 8:06pm):
This is really disconcerting. Thiel seems ethically flawed as a candidate. And to think he could be representing so many student renters when it is clear he has landlords and developers leaning on him to vote in their favor. I really hope students voted absentee for Robbie.
Anonymous (March 30, 2007 @ 5:32pm):
Vote for Robbie!
Anonymous (March 31, 2007 @ 6:54pm):
I'm definitely voting for Robbie Webber.
Add a comment
We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.
Login...
Not registered? Sign up now.
It's quick, free, and the email address you provide will not be sold or solicited.
