The La Crosse Tribune, La Crosse: Kapanke admits ethics breach
Kapanke admits ethics breach
State Sen. Dan Kapanke admitted to unintentionally violating state ethics codes by paying off personal debt with money from a charity funded through organizations that employ lobbyists.
The Republican lawmaker said Wednesday the payment to the city of La Crosse for new lighting at the Loggers’ baseball park was “inappropriate.”
Kapanke is challenging U.S Rep. Ron Kind for the 3rd District Congressional seat. He and his wife, Ruth Kapanke, own the La Crosse Loggers, a summer collegiate baseball team that plays at La Crosse’s Copeland Park.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin filed a complaint Wednesday with the Government Accountability Board alleging Kapanke effectively funneled lobbyist dollars through La Crosse Loggers Foundation Inc. for personal gain.
Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate characterized it as a money laundering scheme that gives the foundation the appearance of being a “slush fund to benefit Dan Kapanke.”
