Scott Walker Aided By Huge Americans For Prosperity Foundation Ad Buy

Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a conservative group chaired by David Koch, is pumping at least $700,000 in ads defending Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's (R) record as he faces a possible recall attempt, according to the Washington Post.

Americans For Prosperity Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, while Americans For Prosperity is a 501 (c)(4) organization. One key difference is that the former is prohibited from participating in a political campaign for a candidate for public office, hence why the ad by the group does not mention Walker and mentions only "recent reforms." Americans For Prosperity, by contrast, has a much more overt effort to "Stand With Scott Walker."

The Huffington Post recently reported that David Koch and his brother Charles have pledged $60 million to defeat President Barack Obama.

Walker faces a potential recall election after supporters turned in over one million signatures in support of the effort. Those signatures are in the process of being reviewed by the Government Accountability Board, which requires 540,208 valid ones. Republicans are planning to challenge the signatures.

Walker's fundraising has been swift so far. In his campaign finance report covering Dec. 11 through Jan. 17, he raised more than $4.5 million, spending almost $4.9 million and having just under $2.7 million in his campaign account.

Under Wisconsin law, Walker may raise unlimited funds until a recall election date has been set. He has raised $500,000 thus far from Texas billionaire home builder Bob Perry, who heavily backed the "Swift Boat" ads in 2004 against Democratic nominee Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.).

Walker's recall centers around his successful effort last year to curtail collective bargaining rights for most public workers. A recent poll showed that he had a 51-46 approval rating and was leading both declared and potential Democratic opponents.