... "I spent a good deal of time overnight thinking about Governor Walker's response, during his news conference yesterday (Wednesday), to the suggestion that his administration ‘thought about' planting troublemakers among those who are peacefully protesting his bill," Wray said in a statement issued this morning. "I would like to hear more of an explanation from Governor Walker as to what exactly was being considered, and to what degree it was discussed by his cabinet members. "I find it very unsettling and troubling that anyone would consider creating safety risks for our citizens and law enforcement officers. Our department works hard dialoging with those who are exercising their First Amendment right, those from both sides of the issue, to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure they can demonstrate safely.

Madison Police Chief Noble Wray has listened to the taped conversation between Republican Governor Scott Walker and a blogger posing as Kansas billionaire David Koch, and he wants an explanation for Walker's "troubling" admission that he toyed with the idea of "planting troublemakers" among the crowds of protesters.

Predictably, Walker's office responded by pointing to what Walker said during Wednesday's press conference:

"People have brought up all sorts of different options," Walker said. "As you saw if you've listened to the tape, we shot that down."

Shot it down? Okay. But not because of any fears about public safety. Here's Walker's response to the faux-Koch's idea about "planting some troublemakers":

You know, well, the only problem with that, because we thought about that. The problem, the, my only gut reaction to that would be, right now, the lawmakers I’ve talked to have just completely had it with them, the public is not really fond of this ... My only fear would be is if there was a ruckus caused, is that would scare the public into thinking maybe the governor has to settle to solve all these problems.

The bottom line is, Walker considered it. And he only "shot it down" because he was worried about the political consequences to himself. Public safety was never a concern.

Troubling doesn't even scratch the surface.

