Gov. Walker’s Campaign Set to Drop Anchor at Exclusive Florida Yacht Club

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker leaves snowy Wisconsin behind this week as he jets off to sunny Florida for “lifestyles of the rich and famous” campaign fundraiser at the exclusive Naples Yacht Club. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross wondered if Chris Cline, whose open pit mining bill is one of Walker’s top legislative priorities, will cruise by in his 164-foot luxury yacht ”Mine Games’ to drop off a contribution.

Ross commented, “Gov. Walker is off on another out of state fundraising shakedown. The question is will Florida based mining magnate Chris Cline be dropping by to help make Walker’s champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true? “

According to the event listing, for a mere $5,000 payable to “Friends of Scott Walker”, one can be a platinum host of the meet and greet at the Naples Yacht Club on the evening of Thursday, March 7th.

Mr. Cline boasts an estimated worth of $1.2 billion and oversees the Cline Resource and Development Group, headquartered in Florida that owns Gogebic Taconite. Cline and his company have been heavily lobbying and donating big money to state politicians to win support for law changes that weaken state environmental protections in order to help them develop an open pit mine in the Northwoods.

In addition to his vast corporate holdings, Cline owns the 164-foot luxury yacht, “Mine Games”, once offered for sale at $27 million. Promotional materials about the ship tout on-board amenities like 5 staterooms with in-suite baths, a two level master suite with his and hers baths, two formal dining rooms, and swim up bar and Jacuzzi.

“As Gov. Walker jets off to fundraise at a Florida yacht club, it’s our Wisconsin clean water, schools, health care and land that he’s all to willing to auction off to keep these elites in the gilded style to which they’re accustomed,” concluded Ross.