Follow the Money: Who Funds Waukesha's State Legislators?

Want to learn more about where the money that funds your state legislators comes from? Patch has you covered.

Read on to see some of the interest groups and individuals who gave the most to Sens. Mary Lazich and Rich Zipperer and Reps. Chris Kapenga, Mike Kuglitsch and Bill Kramer. Information in MAPLight.org’s Top 10 lists for the candidates, outlined below, does not include contributions from political parties or other candidates. MAPLight.org compiles information on financial contributions to politicians.

Sen. Mary Lazich, R-New Berlin, received $59,211 toward her political campaigns between Jan. 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2010. The top interest groups contributing to her campaigns were health professionals ($12,511), insurance ($4,900) and hospitals/nursing homes ($3,200). Her top individual contributors were Dentist ($3,850), We Energies ($1,500) and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance ($1,100).

Sen. Rich Zipperer, R-Brookfield, received $105,901 toward his political campaigns between Jan. 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2010. The top interest groups contributing to his campaigns were health professionals ($15,086) and insurance ($10,593). His top individual contributors were Dentist ($5,608), Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance ($3,360) and Waukesha State Bank ($2,575).

Rep. Chris Kapenga, R-Pewaukee, received $26,185 toward his political campaigns between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010. The top interest groups contributing to his campaigns were insurance ($2,900) and finance/credit companies ($1,500). His top individual contributors were Zero Zone Incorporated ($1,200), Dublin Contractors Incorporated ($1,175), Fisher Barton Incorporated ($1,000) and Lubar and Company ($1,000).

Rep. Mike Kuglitsch, R-New Berlin, received $11,176 between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010. The top interest groups contributing to his campaigns, were miscellaneous manufacturing and distributing ($1,450); beer, wine and liquor ($1,225) and general contractors, real estate and telecom services and equipment, which each gave $1,000. His top individual contributors Audio Implements and Venture Development, which each gave $1,000.

Rep. Bill Kramer, R-Waukesha, received $41,785 between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010. The top interest groups contributing to his campaigns were insurance ($4,250), real estate ($3,250), hospitals/nursing homes ($2,940), commercial banks ($2,663), lawyers/law firms ($2,560) and miscellaneous manufacturing and distributing ($2,550). His top individual contributors were Waukesha State Bank ($1,500), Waukesha Memorial Hospital ($1,250), Attorney ($1,250) and West Allis Salvage ($1,000).

See how much the in this collection of information from MAPLight.org.

Learn where you can see what on the forms they all must file with the state.