Will the Illinois case cross the border?

The thing is WisPolitics, the Hurtgen caper has already crossed the state line from Illinois into Wisconsin.

In Rock Couty, Mercy Health Care is shocked that wheelin' dealin' benefitted their efforts to build in Crystal Lake. In Milwaukee County, the County Board is making allegations of a cozy bonding contract. And in Kenosha County, casino developers pay $2m to connected spouses with a flair for decorating.

The Hurtgen caper will spawn new dislosures like Spring dandelions.

The question is, not whether this becomes a Wisconsin story, it already is. The real question is, which politician's lawn becomes riddled with dandelions once the deals to stay out of jail are proffered?

Nick Hurtgen:
The Tommy Thompson confidante and former Bear Stearns deal-maker is indicted by the feds for allegedly participating in a hospital building scam. He's got one of the best defense lawyers anywhere in Madison's Steve Hurley, but even friends admit this is a tough atmosphere as prosecutors from New York to Milwaukee are emboldened by high-profile successes.

Legal beagles and politicos wonder if Hurtgen may have to give up somebody in an act of self-preservation. Bear Stearns has been an active player in government bond deals in Wisconsin, from Thompson through Doyle.

See the Department of Justice press release
See the federal indictment
See a statement from Hurley