Scott Walker and His Taxpayer-Funded Koch Brothers Banner

In 2009, well before he became a national embarrassment and before average Wisconsinites had ever heard of the Koch Brothers and their corporate front group "Americans For Prosperity," Scott Walker was in ascendance.

Touted by right-wing talk show hosts and Republican water bearers like Charlie Sykes, who also pocket paychecks from Koch Brothers-related advocacy outfits, Walker was being groomed for bigger things.

So when the Koch Brothers engineered a "Tea Party" rally at Milwaukee's lakefront, dutifully advertised by the right-wing talkers on the payroll, Walker himself sprung into action, using Milwaukee County resources to cross-promote the event and the "Americans For Prosperity" group that would turn into such a loyal political friend in the momentous days to come.