Charges against former aides to Governor Walker when he was Milwaukee County Executive will likely be used to attack the governor in an expected recall election, but how much they will influence voters remains unclear.
So far, two people tied to Walker’s former office have been charged with stealing money from a military charity, while two others were charged Thursday with campaigning on county time as part of an ongoing John Doe investigation.
UW-Green Bay political scientist Michael Kraft says the news obviously is not good for Walker, since they were aides who worked directly for him. Kraft says that could make it appear that the then Milwaukee County executive had some control over them and had the responsibility to make sure they were complying with the law.
Kraft says people opposed to Walker will likely use the information to argue the governor had poor judgment and poor supervision of his staff, while supporters will likely see it as a case of the staffers acting on their own.
AUDIO: Michael Kraft (:20)
Lawrence University professor Arnold Shober agrees. He doubts the charges will have much of an impact, unless Walker himself is also implicated. Shober says that could demoralize his supporters.
Both Shober and Kraft say the charges are not likely to change the minds of Walker’s supporters or opponents, but there are still undecided voters who could be influenced by the scandal.
Rick Schuh, WHBY
