Bill McCoshen: Former Thompson Aide Turned Lobbyist

By Bill Sitter, Staff Contributor for Wisconsin Election Watch,

MADISON – Individuals who work for a public official face a very demanding and challenging job. The work is complicated and there are a lot of ethical issues that arise while serving for individuals who impact legislation. Key roles of a staffer include loyalty to the public official or following the law, being seen as a gatekeeper, and knowing that interest group staffers making more money than those who work for the government.  Former aide to ex-Governor Tommy Thompson, Bill McCoshen is one example of an aide turned lobbyist.

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McCoshen works at a lobbying group known as Capital Consultants. Before serving as a lobbyist he was cabinet secretary for Tommy Thompson. He was Secretary of Commerce while the four-term Governor was in office.  McCoshen also played a critical role in Thompson’s re-election victory for a third term in 1994.   In addition serving to as a managing partner of Capital Consultants, he also heads Competitive Wisconsin, a statewide business conglomerate that focuses on finding bipartisan ways to grow Wisconsin’s Economy.

Since his time as Commerce Secretary, McCoshen has been very active as a lobbyist serving various industries and interests.  According to GAB records, he currently lobbies in the industries of insurance, liquor, healthcare and science.  He represents Northwestern Mutual, Marshfield Clinic, the Wine and Spirits Association, the Transportation Builders Association and many others.

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Bill McCoshen is one example of a former Legislative or Executive Branch aide who has later became a lobbyist.  Lobbying groups look for ex-Legislators and aides because of their experience of handling the Legislative process and building relationships with lawmakers.  Lastly, some question if it’s ethical to allow former Legislative aides to become lobbyists.  Under current law, former Legislators must wait one year after leaving office to become an lobbyist.

Editor's Note: Our Article can be found at-http://wisconsinelectionwatch.com/12357/bill-mccoshen-former-aide-turned-lobbyist/