While some business owners and executives have chosen sides in the governor’s race, a significant number have made matching donations to the campaigns of both Tom Barrett and Scott Walker.
Keep in mind that the loser of the Nov. 2 presumably will remain in office in Milwaukee, either as county executive or mayor.
According to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Walker has received $245,374 from donors who gave to both campaigns. Barrett has received $203,928 from donors to both campaigns.
Jalem Getz, chief executive officer of New Berlin-based BuySeasons Inc., said he donated to both campaigns because he supports both of the candidates.
“I consider myself relatively conservative – normally I lean Republican,” Getz said. “I like Tom (Barrett) as a person. Our philosophies don’t necessarily dovetail. Even if my views are not identical to his, the idea is to get someone who is good in heart who can move the ball forward.”
Getz emphasized that he also supports the Walker campaign. Getz has made matching donations to both campaigns. Both candidates have spent time at Buyseasons with him and his employees.
“They’re both good people, and I like them both,” Getz said.
The Wisconsin Democracy Project’s list of donors who have given to both the Walker and Barrett campaigns contains many prominent business owners and executives from southeastern Wisconsin. They include:
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Dennis Kuester, M&I Bank
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John Burke, Burke Properties
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Richard Schmidt, C.G. Schmidt
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William Nasgovitz, Heartland Advisors
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Richard Meeusen, Badger Meter Inc.
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Mark Irgens, Irgens Development Partners
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Aldo Madrigano, WOW Distributing
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Stephen Marcus, The Marcus Corp.
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Barry Mandel, Mandel Corp.
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Angelo Fallucca and Giacomo Fallucca, Palermo Villa Inc.
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Richard Pieper, Pieper Electric
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George Meyer, Kahler Slater Architects
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Curt Culver, MGIC Corp.
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Ted Kellner, Fiduciary Management
