The sponsors could care less how many phone calls they inspire. Some experts say the ads don't work.
Critics say they distort the election process and feed the campaign money monster's appetite.
By hiding behind constitutional pretext, the sponsors can hide the sources of money behind the ads. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce can use money donated by big corporations while labor unions answer with ads bought with their own funds despite campaign finance laws that prohibit direct corporate or union spending on elections. Contrary to some evidence, they work. At least they serve the purposes of their sponsors sufficiently to justify the expense. University of Wisconsin political scientist Kenneth Mayer looked at the results of legislative elections and concluded the ads were a flop.