I'm a bit surprised that State Representative Jeff Stone is taking his opponent, Larry Gamble, this seriously. In reviewing his Pre-Primary campaign finance report, Stone's campaign records a total of $2000 given to Vi Hammelman for consulting during the months of July & August. Vi's last name might sound familiar to you, especially if you live in the 3rd District. She is the ex-wife of former Franklin Alderman Alan Hammelman, who was supported by the organization Franklin Citizens for Responsible Leadership for his 1st-and-only term and lost a re-election bid to current Alderwoman Kristen Wilhelm. Furthermore, Vi was an alderwoman herself, serving Franklin's 3rd District for several years, and her website proudly states that her "campaign management skill in 2002 changed the cooperative configuration of the Milwaukee County Board in one election to a fiscally-conscious, business-focused majority." Could that mean she was a part of or connected to Citizens for Responsible Government?
I never expected Gamble to cause such a hassle that Stone would need to spend $2000 on a consultant. This could perhaps explain why Stone, perceived as a moderate for many terms in office, drastically went hard right on several issues for this campaign. That disappointed some folks, like myself, who appreciated a moderate, independent-thinking individual like Stone in office.
See below the campaign reports for both Stone and Gamble.
