Harley Gave Generously to Republicans
So did Sartori Foods. Both now hurt by Trump tariffs.
Gov. Scott Walker visiting the Harley-Davidson Museum. Photo from the State of Wisconsin.
Here’s a look at the campaign contributions by Harley-Davidson and Sartori Foods employees to legislative and statewide candidates in Wisconsin.
The iconic Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer recently announced it would be moving some production abroad because the European Union raised tariffs on American-made motorcycles from 6 percent to 31 percent. The increase was in response to earlier tariffs on European steel and aluminum imposed by GOP President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Sartori cheese exports will see tariff increases of 15 percent to 25 percent.
Between January 2010 and December 2017, campaign contributions from Harley-Davidson and Sartori totaled about $69,000, including about $54,250 to Republicans and about $14,775 to Democrats.
Republican Gov. Scott Walker tops the list of Harley and Sartori contribution recipients, accepting about $45,100 between January 2010 and December 2017.
Other top recipients were:
Mary Burke, a former Democratic candidate for governor, about $5,835;
Tom Barrett, a former Democratic candidate for governor, about $5,735;
GOP Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, $3,050;
GOP Sen. Van Wanggaard, of Racine, $1,200;
State Senate Democratic Committee, $1,000;
Jon Richards, a former Democratic state senator and lieutenant governor candidate, $1,000.
The companies’ top contributors to legislative and statewide candidates were:
Harley-Davidson attorney Paul J. Jones, of Fox Point, $15,500, all of which went to Walker;
Harley-Davidson attorney Edward Krishok, of Milwaukee, $9,400;
Sartori Foods president James Sartori, of Plymouth, $7,725, of which $3,950 went to Walker.
More about the Trump Tariffs
- Op Ed: Trump Tariffs Have Failed - John Torinus - Sep 27th, 2020
- Murphy’s Law: Trump Tariffs Slam Wisconsin Economy - Bruce Murphy - Jun 29th, 2020
- Baldwin Calling on Trump Administration to Take Action and Support Wisconsin Hardwood Businesses Hurt by Trade War - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Feb 25th, 2020
- Trade War Wounds May Heal Soon - Erik Gunn - Feb 21st, 2020
- How China Trade Agreement Impacts Wisconsin Farmers - Miranda Suarez - Jan 16th, 2020
- Trump Tariffs Have Cost State $800 Million - Miranda Suarez - Dec 10th, 2019
- U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Seeks Investigation into Possible Market Manipulation Regarding Market Bets Timed to Trump’s Comments on Trade War & Other Geopolitical Events - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Oct 21st, 2019
- Port Milwaukee Shipping Up in 2019 - Danielle Kaeding - Oct 21st, 2019
- Stuck to Gallagher: Does Your Party Care About Small Business? - State Rep. Amanda Stuck - Oct 10th, 2019
- Evers Blasts Trump “Tweet” Trade Wars - Erik Gunn - Sep 16th, 2019
Read more about Trump Tariffs here
Campaign Cash
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May 7th, 2023 by Erik Gunn
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Top 20 Donors to State Political Parties
Apr 4th, 2023 by Peter Cameron and Hina Suzuki
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$38 Million Spent on High Court Race
Mar 29th, 2023 by Erik Gunn
I don’t see the concern – how much, for instance, does the WI Realtors Association spread around?
According to the Wisdc.org – “Between 2012 and 2016, the committee spent nearly $700,000 to support Republican legislative candidates and the 2013 reelection of conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack. “
It’s not so much a concern as an irony. For their contributions to Trump, both companies got a more difficult business climate and H-D got attacked. Seems consistent with what we know about Trump’s business practices.
Saw your sorry excuse of an interview on the channel 12 app.
You should be ashamed of yourself talking about your great president like
That. Your not worthy of him gracing your crime ridden city.
Right Bruce. When the hell are people going to learn. It’s like they are waiting for Old Faithful to gush beer.
Ha Harley! Got yours for contributing to nasty donnie now didn’t you.
Harley has more significant problems than tariffs. Like decreasing interest by what might have been a next generation of customers. Even lowering the price 10 or 20% wouldn’t make a difference. Am I cynical to suggest H-D is using this as cover to shift blame from their deeper problems? And tariffs benefit some, not others. Others have had their time in the sun and the economy is shfting. A ‘more difficult business climate’ for some, not for others.
you know there’s always companies that make pothole fill. Milwaukee is a huge market for them! Barrett: a nice guy! Just out of curiosity, why not hold Barrett to the same scrutiny you do Walker? Or actually ask what the hell is going on in City Hall?That would seem to be more UM’s ‘Mission’.