Spending On Governor’s Security Detail Has Tripled Since 2010

The state spent more than three times as much on security for Gov. Scott Walker in 2013 as it did to protect Gov. Jim Doyle, according to new numbers released by the Walker administration.

The numbers show that in 2013, the Wisconsin State Patrol spent more than $2.2 million protecting the governor, first lady Tonette Walker, and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. By comparison, the state spent $657,000 protecting Doyle in 2010, his last year in office.

In an email, Walker’s Communications Director Jocelyn Webster said part of the additional costs came from providing security to the Kleefisch, which the state had not done in the past. Webster cited a “difference in circumstances” in deciding to provide the security to Kleefisch.

Numbers released by the Walker administration also showed an uptick in out-of-state lodging costs from nearly $20,000 in Doyle’s last year to more than $34,000. The administration said those costs cover official state trips like the upcoming National Governors Association meeting in Nashville.

Overall, the state has spent almost $5.8 million on security since Walker took office.

Annual expenditures by Dignitary Protection Unit, 2009-2013

Data courtesy of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(Blue columns indicate years in which Jim Doyle was governor. Red columns indicate years in which Scott Walker was governor).