One of Wall Street's most political billionaires just passed on Scott Walker: Linette Lopez of Business Insider writes: "Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) met with billionaire hedge-fund manager Dan Loeb on Wednesday, Business Insider has learned. Walker was seeking Loeb’s key financial support ahead of his all-but-certain presidential campaign, but he didn’t get it. According to sources close to the situation, the sticking point was Loeb’s support of same-sex marriage.

 

Last month, Walker called the Supreme Court’s decision to legalise same-sex marriage nationwide a 'grave mistake.' He also called for a constitutional amendment to reverse the decision. 'As a result of this decision, the only alternative left for the American people is to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to reaffirm the ability of the states to continue to define marriage,' Walker said. Deep-pocketed Wall Streeters have been vocal about the fact that they’re no longer interested in supporting socially conservative candidates this go-round. They have traded in their social values for conservative fiscal policies over the last few election cycles, and it hasn’t gotten them anywhere."

 

Democrats charge abortion ban vote timed to Walker presidential announcement: 

 

Judith Davidoff of the Isthmus writes: "Shortly after the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly approved a 20-week abortion ban, Democrats suggested the timing of the vote was suspect. 'Let’s be clear,' Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) said at a news conference at the Capitol. 'It’s no coincidence that on Monday the governor will be announcing he’s running for president.' Shankland said Gov. Scott Walker is expected to travel to Las Vegas and Iowa shortly after his announcement to court primary voters. 'This abortion ban is part of his campaign.' She said that Wisconsin citizens were focused on the state budget, which passed the Assembly early Thursday morning, and not aware lawmakers would be quickly taking up the abortion ban. Shankland also noted that Speaker Robin Vos (R-Burlington) had told Democratic lawmakers that the bill would likely not come to the floor until September."

 

Backlash over records move prompts Assembly meaculpa:

 

Patrick Marley of the Journal Sentinel writes: " A week after Gov. Scott Walker's office and other Republicans pushed for gutting the state's public records law, the Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution backing the state's commitment to open government. But GOP lawmakers refused to go along with a proposal by Democrats to promise not to weaken the state's open government laws. 'Dark government has no place in the state of Wisconsin and has no place in any state in our country,' said Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee). 'When we represent the interest of constituents, we should be open.' The nonbinding, symbolic resolution was offered by Democrats and says the Assembly affirms the 'state's long-standing tradition of open and transparent government and will continue to work to uphold these principles and protections.' Republicans went along with it after removing a section that said lawmakers would preserve existing open government laws "without modification or degradation.'"

 

Hacking of government computers exposed 21.5 million people:

 

Julie Hirschfeld Davis of The New York Times writes: "The Obama administration on Thursday revealed that 21.5 million people were swept up in a colossal breach of government computer systems that was far more damaging than initially thought, resulting in the theft of a vast trove of personal information, including Social Security numbers and some fingerprints. Every person given a government background check for the last 15 years was probably affected, the Office of Personnel Management said in announcing the results of a forensic investigation of the episode, whose existence was known but not its sweeping toll. The agency said hackers stole 'sensitive information,' including addresses, health and financial history, and other private details, from 19.7 million people who had been subjected to a government background check, as well as 1.8 million others, including their spouses and friends. The theft was separate from, but related to, a breach revealed last month that compromised the personnel data of 4.2 million federal employees, officials said."

 

Rep. Paul Ryan announces $4.1 million in campaign war chest:

 

Frank Schultz of the Janesville Gazette writes: "Anyone looking to challenge incumbent Paul Ryan for the 1st District House seat will want to consider this. Ryan's campaign announced Thursday it has $4.1 million cash on hand for Ryan's re-election bid 16 months before the 2016 election. The Janesville Republican's campaign raised more than $1.2 million during the most recent fundraising period, according to a news release. In comparison, Ryan's campaign had raised $5.97 million by August 2014, two months before the last election."