For Wisconsin residents, 2011 was the kind of year that helps explain why the Chinese consider “May you live in interesting times” to be a curse. Amid all of the hubbub and strife, many of us found ourselves hoping that things would get a bit less interesting. As Wisconsin was thrust into the national limelight, the intersection of money and politics became a busy place.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, known for his toughness in defending his positions, acknowledged Friday that he’s made mistakes in how he’s gone about achieving his agenda. The Republican governor, now facing a recall effort, said he regretted not having done a better job of selling his changes regarding collective bargaining for public employees.

In recent weeks, two conservative groups have run three television ads praising changes in Wisconsin’s relationship with its public employees. What’s unusual is not the message of the ads, but the tax status of their sponsors.

Nearly half of Gov. Scott Walker’s 2011 campaign contributions so far have come from outside Wisconsin. And, as he’s facing a potential recall, the normal individual limits do not apply. Explore where the money’s coming in from with our interactive map.

Scott Walker got elected mainly with the support of Wisconsin residents. But if there’s a recall election, whoever wins will have many out-of-state donors to thank.

Nearly half of the $5.1 million raised by the embattled Republican governor since July 1 came from outside of Wisconsin.

For a state that’s made “Open for Business” its official mantra, Wisconsin sure seems lukewarm about jobs in the highly competitive — and lucrative — field of wind energy.

Wisconsin is one of 13 states that automatically place 17-year-olds in the adult criminal justice system. In the past few years, nearly one-third of states have passed laws to keep more young offenders in the juvenile justice system. But not Wisconsin.

On issues of government openness, Gov. Scott Walker’s record has been mixed. He is not running the most open administration in history, as he pledged in an interview late last year, but he’s certainly not in a bunker.