“Baldwin in her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee deals with preparing the budget for health and biotechnology-related departments… while Brisbane has often specialized in investing in biotech and other health industries.”
MADISON – Sen. Baldwin’s massive potential conflict of interest continues to leave more questions than answers. Sen. Baldwin’s partner, Maria Brisbane, advises the uber wealthy on industries that Baldwin regulates. As Sen. Baldwin received $1.3 million from New York donors, she has failed to include any of her and Maria Brisbane’s jointly owned assets on her financial-disclosure reports — despite reporting the assets of her previous partner.
There are massive conflicts of interest here that merit further examination — just the kind we’ve sadly come to expect from career Washington politicians like Sen. Baldwin.
The full article can be read here and excerpts are below:
“Republicans and conservative talk radio hosts have seized on a New York Post story earlier this month that raised a potential conflict of interest between U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s government work and that of her partner, a Wall Street private wealth investment adviser.”
“Specifically, the story faults the Madison Democrat for failing to disclose partner Maria Brisbane’s assets and income in any of the senator’s annually required financial disclosure statements.”
“Baldwin in her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee deals with preparing the budget for health and biotechnology-related departments and agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, while Brisbane has often specialized in investing in biotech and other health industries.”
“Like many couples, it’s not possible to know how one partner’s position might influence the work of the other. Brisbane’s “About me” page on Morgan Stanley’s website describes her as a former “biotechnology mutual fund manager.” She also sits on the board of the Cancer Research and Treatment Fund, is a member of the Havens Relief Fund Society, and is a past adviser to The Grass Foundation, a neuroscience nonprofit.”
“But the rules don’t require senators to disclose the finances of who they’re dating, only spouses.”
“Of course, the rules also don’t bar senators or their partners from voluntarily making such disclosures in cases where it may appear their professional lives overlap.”
“Baldwin had previously reported at least some jointly owned assets when she was in the House and dating former Wisconsin Public Service Lauren Azar, even before the pair registered their domestic partnership in 2009. Before the two separated in 2010, Baldwin also noted she jointly owned rental properties, a home savings checking account, and a money market account.”
