May 4, 2009: Taxpayers across the country have lost a great friend and ally. John Wilke, Wall Street Journal reporter and editor, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Friday while at home with family. Wilke was an unparalleled investigator and muckraker; no corruption or waste was safe in his midst. Over the last three years, TCS staff learned this first hand, working with Wilke on a series of stories on Congressional earmarks. As much as any reporter we worked with Wilke encouraged us and pushed us to do our best work. He believed that hard-hitting, independent reporting could make a difference in holding powerful special interests accountable to the public.

As important as his ability to get the big story was his willingness to offer his keen insight, helpful advice and mentoring to fellow journalists or lowly public interest advocates. Whether they knew him or not, citizens across the country benefitted from having Wilke wield his pen, skewering corruption and waste with his investigations. Taxpayers for Common Sense will miss you, John, and send our heartfelt condolences to your family.

Read a collection of Wilke’s stories, including the award winning earmark stories.

Read some of the obituaries and write up of Wilke’s life: Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, ABC News