Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was conned, by a Koch brother who wasn't a Koch brother, into admitting to some dirty tricks. ABC News reports on what they're calling a prank:
An alt-news reporter posing as billionaire conservative activist David Koch recorded a 20-minute phone conversation with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker during which Walker reveals his strategy for breaking Democratic and union opposition to his budget.
The governor's critics said the immediate access granted to "Koch" and the length of their conversation illustrates a damning tie between outside influences and what they see as an orchestrated effort to bust unions.
The governor's office confirmed Wednesday that the voice on the tape, first posted online at BuffaloBeast.com, was Walker. But a spokesman said the call showed the governor's "appreciation for an commitment to civil discourse" and repairing the state budget.
While Walker's comments closely tracked what he has said publicly -- expressing refusal to compromise or negotiate with Democrats -- they shed new light on the tactics he has considered to discredit his opponents and move the budget process forward.
The "David Koch" impersonator gets neatly through a bad moment when a staff member asks for his phone number and gets right through to the governor. That staff member's pass was a gift that keeps on giving. Among other things, Walker admits they had thought of planting "troublemakers" among the crowds of protesters.
The end of the phone call offers a perfect example of a corrupt pol and his corporate benefactor's relationship.
"Well I tell you what Scott, once you crush these bastards I'll fly you out to Cali and show you a good time," the man posing as Koch said.
"Alright, that would be outstanding," said Walker. "Thanks for all the support and helping us move the cause forward."
BuffaloBeast.com is inaccessible at this writing.
