One-Bidder DOT Contract Jumps 40%

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation - - having handed out an $11 million contract for a interchange repair job to a sole bidder - - now spins out reasons we should be happy that last-minute negotiations have run up the cost of the job another $4 million.

Can you imagine the backlash from legislators and talk show hosts if a social services contractor or agency was behaving this way with millios of public dollars?