MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Democrat running for Wisconsin governor acknowledges her campaign lifted policy platforms, including some exact language, from like-minded candidates. Republicans charge plagiarism, but Mary Burke is just the latest in a long line of politicians who have shared slogans, talking points and campaign materials. Locked in one of the nation’s tightest political campaigns against Republican Gov. Scott Walker, the practice is putting a spotlight on how much leeway those running for office should have when presenting ideas as their own. Rutgers University history and journalism professor David Greenberg says politicians have never been held to the same plagiarism standards as scholars and journalists. He calls what Burke is being accused of a “minor offense.” But Republican operative Hogan Gidley says it will hurt Burke’s perception with voters.
