Walker Administration Breaks New Fundraising Ground With “Pay to Pray” Inaugural Event

MADISON, Wis. — To commemorate the gubernatorial inauguration Wisconsinites will have the chance to ice skate, party and pray with Gov. Walker – if they’re willing to donate to the Republican Party of Wisconsin (RPW). According to the official website for the inauguration, events are open to the public but tickets ranging from $25 to $1,000 must be purchased from the state GOP.

“When it comes to Scott Walker, you always need to follow the money,” said One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross. “He does not miss a chance to politicize an event and use it as an opportunity to fatten his campaign account. Even prayer has price with this administration.”

Walker created controversy with his 2011 inauguration by breaking with tradition and keeping 100 percent of all contributions to his various inaugural events for either his campaign account or the Republican Party of Wisconsin. Previously, using proceeds raised from his 2003 and 2007 inaugural events, Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle donated over $500,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wisconsin.

In 2015 it will cost you a $20 contribution to the Republican Party to ice skate with Scott Walker, $50 to listen to music with Scott Walker and up to $1,000 to dance and drink with Scott Walker at the inaugural ball. It will even set you back $25 to pray with Scott Walker at the inaugural prayer breakfast.

Ross concluded, “Scott Walker has one foot out the door for a 2016 run for the GOP nomination for president. It’s all politics all the time for him. One shudders to think what Gov. Walker will do with a $70 billion state budget when he’s willing to require a political donation to ice skate or pray with him.”