Project Veritas released a secretly recorded video showing state Senate President Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, illegally discussing the formation of a Super PAC in order to help him win his re-election in November.
Wisconsin law mandates Super PACs may not communicate with politicians.
Project Veritas, led by President James O’Keefe, is an organization aimed at exposing corruption, fraud and promoting transparency in government, according to a statement released with the video.
O’Keefe recorded the video of Ellis discussing specific names of potential Super PAC donors and the dollar amounts of their potential contributions.
“I am putting together my own Super PAC,” Ellis said in the video. “I’m gonna have half a million bucks … Mrs. Ailworth is gonna give $50,000.”
The Senate president also said the Super PAC would be called “The Friends of Free Life” and would attack state Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber, D-Appleton, who is running against Ellis for his state Senate seat.
Ellis defended himself Wednesday saying he has spent the last 15 years championing campaign finance reform, according to a statement. He also said the recorded conversation was an idea that he had presented in order to avoid using special interest money.
He clarified in the statement he had not spoken to the potential donors mentioned in the recording and had been informed the campaign finance idea was illegal and could not be pursued.
Additionally, Ellis said he had returned a check from a political donor earlier in the year because it exceeded the legal donation limit.
“My opponent has already received the benefit of special interest advertising in this campaign,” Ellis said in the statement. “I will continue my fight to keep special interest money out of politics, and give more power to the people.”
