Show them the money

Industry's political contributions open Capitol doors

Construction leads the pack in campaign cash

By Jeremy Harrell
Daily Reporter Staff

Like it or not, there's money in politics, and contractors and unions alike have learned that taking part in politics through campaign contributions can be good for business.

To be sure, getting involved in political activity comes down to more than cutting a check-there are rallies to attend, campaigns to volunteer for and correspondence with legislators to maintain. But money can do some of the talking for contractors, construction industry observers said.

"It's a two-fold thing-one is business related and the other is that, as a citizen, it's a way to get involved in the political process," said Mark Cullen, president of J.P. Cullen & Sons in Janesville. "We general contractors need to think long and hard about the legislators we want to support."

According to records compiled by the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, in the last two election cycles the construction industry has given state candidates more than $2.6 million in political action committee donations and large individual contributions. This places construction first among the 24 interest groups the Democracy Campaign tracks, ahead of banking and finance, manufacturing and distribution and health care.

"The old saying is 'Get into politics or get out of business,'" said Tom Walker, Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association executive director. "This is what's expected of everybody-whether it's the teachers' union or (Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce)--and it's true for us. In reality, the transportation community has to have a positive relationship with every level of government."

Quid pro what?

It would be unwise, however, to assume campaign contributions form the basis of a quid pro quo relationship--that contractors receive as much as they give, said Jim Boullion, Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin government affairs director. Instead, it's an important tool in generating more subtle and lasting relationships with legislators.

"It's not just about money," he said. "It's about being recognized. If you've developed a long-term relationship with a legislator and you're not a Johnny-come-lately, then the legislator will know who to call when he has a question about an issue."

Good business strategy dictates a need to take an active role in the decisions made in Madison. Walker said many WTBA members contribute to campaigns not as an attempt to send their favorite legislators to the Capitol, but because road builders have an in-depth knowledge of the industry that they share with legislators. And supporting campaigns is a good way to be heard.

"People in government come and go, but the continuity in our industry is multigenerational, with fathers and grandfathers working in the same company," Walker said. "A lot of people perceive that we dictate the process. What we're looking for is an opportunity to work with that process. We have a perspective to bring to the table that's valuable because our contractors understand the transportation system-how it works and how to make it safe."

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign records reflect that sentiment because it's not uncommon for the same contractor to give money to candidates in both political parties.

"It's been said that there are no Republican roads and no Democrat roads, only Wisconsin roads," Walker said. "We don't see our job as trying to cheerlead for one candidate or one party."

Cullen said he takes a different tack and targets legislators who govern with the same set of principles he believes in.

"I feel the need - whether at the municipal, state or federal level-to support candidates who believe in the private sector, who believe in a robust economy," he said. "I try to back people who are pro-business and pro-growth."

Getting involved

'It’s a sad reality, and I hate it. But, as the old saying goes, ‘Money is the mother’s milk of politics.’ Joe Wineke Political Coordinator International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139

People can be reluctant to discuss their campaign contributions, but those who talked agreed that the decision to give money comes down to a question of practicality. It makes sense in today's political climate to take part in the system, whether contributing as a contractor or a member of a trade union.

"I'm a huge believer in real campaign finance reform," said Joe Wineke, political coordinator for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139 in Madison. "But as long as dollars are needed to run election campaigns, we're going to be involved. It's a sad reality, and I hate it. But, as the old saying goes, 'Money is the mother's milk of politics.'"

The Operating Engineers expanded the coffers of its political action committee from $6,000 to $170,000 in the last five years. Wineke said the union distributes voluntary PAC sign-up cards to all of its members, and in the last three years alone, the PAC has added 2,000 members, swelling to 65 percent of the statewide union's membership.

"We made a practical decision," Wineke said. "Doors in the Capitol used to be closed to us. Now that we have more influence, the doors are open. It's a lot easier now for us to get involved."

As a result, Wineke said the union has been much more effective in recent years lobbying for its two main concerns: more work and safe job sites.

"We think (PAC donations) are enhancing our members' ability to get work," he said. "And it's our job to make sure our members have jobs."

On the other side of the practicality equation, money can substitute for the time-consuming nature of the political process, Boullion said. Contractors run businesses, after all, and don't always have enough hours in the day to handle their own jobs while also doing the little things that lead to successful campaigns and agreeable legislation.

"You can be recognized without donating, but that involves time-visiting legislators and working on campaigns," Boullion said.

"You can do it without money, but sometimes it's not as practical."

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