Indictment Reaction Review

Let's take a look at how the various players are handling the indictment of Georgia Thompson.

Doyle ducks and defers to his top aide, the Secretary of the Department of Administration:

In a statement late Tuesday, Marotta's successor, Steve Bablitch, said, "The Doyle administration has zero tolerance for ethical lapses, but we certainly hope that saving money for taxpayers doesn't become a crime in Wisconsin. We also hope that the career of a civil servant doesn't become a political football."

Scott Walker:

“The indictment handed down today shows how corruption can infiltrate all areas of government. Unfortunately we have a Governor and administration that condones unethical and illegal behavior. The people of Wisconsin deserve better.

“Today’s indictment provides further confirmation that the Doyle administration is damaged andmust be removed from the Capitol. Jim Doyle’s political connections to this aide are, without question, mentioned as a defining piece of the evidence used to bring forth this indictment.”

Mark Green:

“The Doyle Administration’s ethical lapses have cast a cloud over state government that grows darker and darker each day. Today’s announcement is further evidence that we need to not only replace Governor Doyle, but we must take affirmative steps to restore the confidence of the public in the integrity of their elected officials.

“That’s why I’ve laid out an aggressive reform agenda I believe will help rebuild the trust the Doyle administration has breached with Wisconsinites.”

Both Green and Walker then reiterated their call for reforms, which they've brought forth in the past.

Unlike in response to the State of the State Address, where I felt Green's operation and message were better prepared and better delivered, both candidates hit the right tone with the right vigor on this one.

Then again, a federal indictment in an election year is a bit of a gimme.

Meanwhile the Dolye Administration is walking the tightrope here. On one hand, they didn't do anything wrong, on the other, Georgia Thompson is a mid level bureaucrat we don't even know. Oh, and the contract was a good one, nonetheless.

This is far from over. When Doyle returns from Iraq, he'll be peppered with questions as soon as he gets off the plane. Stay tuned.