Gov. Scott Walker's political career may be in jeopardy

Gov. Scott Walker's political career may be in jeopardy
(Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) had a central role in a "criminal scheme" to violate state election laws, prosecutors allege in court documents made public Thursday. Walker and his cohorts "established a concerted effort to circumvent Wisconsin's campaign finance contribution prohibitions, limitations and disclosure requirements," during the 2011 and 2012 elections by raising and controlling money through a dozen conservative groups, according to the documents. By law, coordination between candidates and outside groups is prohibited.

The investigation has been ongoing since 2012, when Walker faced a recall campaign that failed to remove him from office.

Given his record as an unabashed conservative governor, Walker has been floated as a possible dark horse contender for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Even if the charges don't stick though, a prolonged investigation that stretches into primary season would likely keep a Walker campaign from ever getting off the ground.

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Jon Terbush

Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.