The former Trek Bicycle executive’s spending power is vast enough to keep others from the race. From 2008 to 2012, while retired, Burke’s adjusted gross income topped $6.8 million, calculated Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Dan Bice, using state tax records. Her actual income was likely much higher, as her substantial philanthropic donations would lower her tax obligation.
Bice compared Burke’s tax profile to that of Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, who invested $9 million of his own money, out of $15.5 million raised, ousting Democrat Russ Feingold in 2010. But taking on national conservative rock star Walker could prove even costlier.