MONEY
Who does the WISTAX board of directors support with personal political contributions? Which political party enjoys the vast majority of the personal support from WISTAX board members and what does that say about the ideology of the organization?
When an individual makes a contribution to a political candidate, it is a direct reflection of the values held by that individual. Progressive people donate to progressive candidates; conservative people donate to conservative candidates. Similarly, a non-profit advocacy organization turns to individuals with values that mirror those of the organization to fill its board of directors. Progressive organizations look for progressive leaders and the same is true for conservative organizations.
What does the pattern of giving by the members of the board of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance say about the organization as a whole?
The members of the WISTAX board of directors are active political givers, averaging more contributions per person than the board of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. Even more telling, however, is the overwhelming support of Republican and conservative candidates. Ninety-two percent of all dollars given by current WISTAX board members went to Republicans or conservatives. Compare that rate to that of WMC’s 2009 board – the directors of the notoriously conservative corporate lobby group support Republicans and conservatives at an 82 percent rate.
The undeniable conservative preference by the people who make up the WISTAX board of directors raises the legitimate question: Why is the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance considered an ideologically independent organization?
To learn more about the political contributions by the members of the board of directors of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, choose a topic at the right.
