State-Aided Private Wisconsin Railroad Sold To Out-Of-State Firm

The politically-sullied Wisconsin & Southern Railroad - - its CEO and former owner has been found guilty of illegal donations to the Walker campaign -- has been sold to a Kansas company.

The illegal contributions are connected to an ongoing John Doe investigation.

State Rep. Brett Hulsey, (D-Madison), notes in the Capital Times the railroad had received $62 million in state funds - - some announced right after Walker took office, according to the state - -  and the  Capital Times article discloses that Koch Industries businesses, headquartered also in Kansas, are the new railroad owner's largest customer.

The State grant process benefiting Wisconsin & Southern had begun under the Doyle administration - - a low-visibility program Hulsey wants reformed.

The bottom line: the new out-of-state railroad owner gets an upgraded asset thanks to Wisconsin taxpayers, and control of improved state-owned track. Sweet.

Nice symmetry there - - Big Government helping Big Industry and Big Friends.