One Wisconsin Now
Press Release

Gov. Scott Walker Political Operation Snagged $250,000 Check Mere Days After Meeting With Accused Russian Spy

‘Sure looks like Scott Walker's Non-Meeting Meant Something to Somebody’

By - Jul 20th, 2018 01:45 pm

Alexander Torshin [l], Scott Walker [m], Maria Butina [r].

Alexander Torshin [l], Scott Walker [m], Maria Butina [r].

MADISON, Wis. — As Gov. Scott Walker desperately tries to downplay his meeting with accused Russian spy Maria Butina at a 2015 VIP reception, a new report discloses his political operation mere days later snagged a $250,000 donation from a billionaire who made a fortune in Russian oil.

According to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

“Days after Walker’s photo was taken with Butina and Torshin, Our American Revival received $250,000 from Access Industries, a company founded by Ukrainian-born billionaire Len Blavatnik. Blavatnik, who has U.S. and U.K. citizenship, previously was part owner of a Russian oil company … Months after the Our American Revival donation, Access Industries gave $1.5 million to a super PAC supporting Walker’s presidential run.”

One Wisconsin Now Research Director Joanna Beilman-Dulin commented, “The timing of this quarter-million dollar contribution sure looks like Scott Walker’s non-meeting meant something to somebody.”

According to earlier news reports, the accused Russian spy, Maria Butina, used her NRA connections to get access to U.S. politicians, including Walker. Widely circulated photos show Butina pictured meeting with Walker at an Spring 2015 NRA event and attending the invite only kick-off of his presidential campaign in July 2015.

One Wisconsin Now previously noted how the NRA has had a 25-year relationship with Walker, starting with a $250 donation to his 1993 State Assembly campaign and totaling $3.5 million to date on behalf of his political ambitions.

One Wisconsin Now is a statewide communications network specializing in effective earned media and online organizing to advance progressive leadership and values.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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6 thoughts on “Gov. Scott Walker Political Operation Snagged $250,000 Check Mere Days After Meeting With Accused Russian Spy”

  1. tom says:

    Just another outing of corrupt Scott Walker. He’s been the most slimy, selfish politician in decades in WI. Scott Walker cares only about Scott Walker and his political future. That will never change. Walker does not care about WI citizens.

  2. Terry says:

    This is soooo greasy! Crooked Scott Walker has ALOT of explaining to do! Taking 3.5 million from the NRA (National Russian Association) is bad enough but what went on when he met behind closed doors with this Russian spy? Something greasy I’d bet…

  3. Jeff Weiner says:

    NRA

    America’s Terrorist Organization

  4. Thomas says:

    The timing of the donation just after the non-meeting (sic) meeting is either coincidental or suspicious. How many Republican politicians are courting Russian donors? Why are so many reactionary pols courting Russian donors?

  5. Kathleen says:

    When has Walker ever proved himself to be anything corrupt? This is not “news” — it is just Walker’s soup de jour. Wisconsin’s motto should be amended to “The Backward State,” as we have done nothing but regress under Walker. We have reached a point where the state wants to teach gun safety in high schools; but the only real sex education allowed is abstinence. Perhaps we should consider teaching gun abstinence and sexual safety. But then, who has more money: The NRA or Planned Parenthood, which has been mislabeled as an abortion organization? And his labor package damage was hardly limited to union professions.

    Russia? When you have a minor dog for a governor, expect fleas. He’s no leader — just a rank-and-file pack member. Until we rid ourselves of Citizens United and take back our elections, we will continue to suffer at the hands of like-minded, anti-American politicians.

  6. Kathleen says:

    Funny how I posted a very honest and non-profane comment about Walker that was “moderated” out. So much for free speech.

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