Observers: Burke charges may be only the beginning
11:09 AM 6/26/02
Dee J. Hall and Phil Brinkman Wisconsin State Journal
indent The criminal charges filed Wednesday against Sen. Brian Burke and the lesser offenses alleged against two of his aides are thought to be just the beginning in the yearlong "John Doe" investigation into illegal campaigning and fund raising at the Legislature, observers said Wednesday.
indentJay Heck, executive director of Common Cause in Wisconsin, said Wednesday's charges "set the wheels in motion for what may be a long, hot summer." He said the charges levied against Burke - of fund raising on state property, using legislative aides to work on his campaign during state time and destroying records to cover up such activity - probably aren't the last from this investigation.
indent"I would be very surprised if Senator Burke is the only person who has engaged in this activity," Heck said. "I think this is not some isolated incident that some people have suggested is much ado about nothing."
indentMike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, predicted Burke's would be the first of a "string" of criminal charges against lawmakers and their staffs. "I think it will reach to the top echelons of legislative leadership," McCabe said. "It's probably the beginning of the end of a very corrupt era in Wisconsin politics."
indentAt a press conference Wednesday, Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard declined to talk about the scope and nature of the larger investigation but made it clear the probe was not over.
indent"The investigation into the allegations first raised by the Wisconsin State Journal approximately one year ago continues," Blanchard said. "We have worked and will continue to work as hard as we can to resolve the allegations ... as quickly as we can."
indentBlanchard also repeated a call he made several months ago for witnesses to come forward. "Anyone who has knowledge of theft of state resources, or alteration or destruction of public records or evidence under subpoena in the Capitol is encouraged to come forward."
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