Spam Wars
Subscriptions really must be sagging at Wispolitics to scuttle the Wheeler Report.
If that's what imaginably happened. Certainly, it's open to conjecture. Anything is entirely possible.
In fact, Dick Wheeler mostly offers free what Phil Prange and Jeff Mayers
charge a fee for. Except, of course, Wheeler's subscribers don't get the spin from grocer, realtor and anti Healthy Wisconsin lobbyists posted as insider Wisconsin politics on his competitor's website.
Berbee info network must have corrected the problem in which Charter relegated Wheeler's e-mail missives and updates from free office space in the state Capitol to the spam heap of cyberspace.
Except for political opinion and punditry, amendments, sub-amendments and most of the info and machinations of state government on these websites is readily available on state legislative and agency sites, at no extra charge to taxpayers
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Hard-coring defense, judge seriously imbalances scales of justice
http://www.nacdl.org/public.nsf/newsreleases/2007mn020?opendocument
http://www.nacdl.org/public.nsf/newsreleases/2007mn020?opendocument
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Marching in a Mud Bowl
There’s a ray of sunshine and hope for the UW Marching Band.
Practicing in a veritable mud bowl last week to the tune of mud splattered, tanned students back from summer vacation, the band might have solid footing next year as the UW-Madison has promised artificial turf for band practice.
Since the band can’t practice at its usual spot on the reclaimed and improved, yet still mushy, recreational area between the Natatorium and the Dan McClimon track facility, it has been going through its paces for the past three years in a gridiron laid out on the humongous intramural field between Shorewood hills and Nielsen Tennis Stadium.
The students in the band always do a professional job, but you have to question the wisdom of Michael Leckrone letting them go through their paces in a mud bath everyday. Especially, since, under present monsoon conditions in Wisconsin, athletic director Barry Alvarez could let them practice temporarily on the artificial turf in Camp Randall Stadium.
Hundreds of students marching in cadence on real wet grass - dry, drought brown most of the summer and now verdant - really make a stinking, muddy mess of the otherwise lush soccer fields.
So, why doesn't Alvarez - an otherwise nondescript guy who became a millionaire while employed by the state - donate enough funds out of his own pocket to pay for a rich carpet of turf on the practice field where the band usually marches?
Just an idea.
There’s a ray of sunshine and hope for the UW Marching Band.
Practicing in a veritable mud bowl last week to the tune of mud splattered, tanned students back from summer vacation, the band might have solid footing next year as the UW-Madison has promised artificial turf for band practice.
Since the band can’t practice at its usual spot on the reclaimed and improved, yet still mushy, recreational area between the Natatorium and the Dan McClimon track facility, it has been going through its paces for the past three years in a gridiron laid out on the humongous intramural field between Shorewood hills and Nielsen Tennis Stadium.
The students in the band always do a professional job, but you have to question the wisdom of Michael Leckrone letting them go through their paces in a mud bath everyday. Especially, since, under present monsoon conditions in Wisconsin, athletic director Barry Alvarez could let them practice temporarily on the artificial turf in Camp Randall Stadium.
Hundreds of students marching in cadence on real wet grass - dry, drought brown most of the summer and now verdant - really make a stinking, muddy mess of the otherwise lush soccer fields.
So, why doesn't Alvarez - an otherwise nondescript guy who became a millionaire while employed by the state - donate enough funds out of his own pocket to pay for a rich carpet of turf on the practice field where the band usually marches?
Just an idea.
Prange Way
Interrogatories, to be answered under oath with lawyers of both parties present, is the next phase in the $50,000 "negligent dancing" suit filed March 23 by twenty-something Lacey Hindman against David Prange.
The case is in the court of Cook County Circuit Judge Elizabeth M. Budzinski and could take up to six months to settle.
David is a brother of Phil Prange, who is deep pockets to Wispolitics and quotes czar Jeff Mayers, and former paid fundraiser for Tommy Thompson.
Phil is also brother-in-law of Nick Hurtgen, who had a brush with the law in Illinois. But the matter was resolved when U.S. District Judge John Grady dismissed extortion charges against Hurtgen.
Lawyers filed notice of the interrogatories on Aug. 22.
Interrogatories, to be answered under oath with lawyers of both parties present, is the next phase in the $50,000 "negligent dancing" suit filed March 23 by twenty-something Lacey Hindman against David Prange.
The case is in the court of Cook County Circuit Judge Elizabeth M. Budzinski and could take up to six months to settle.
David is a brother of Phil Prange, who is deep pockets to Wispolitics and quotes czar Jeff Mayers, and former paid fundraiser for Tommy Thompson.
Phil is also brother-in-law of Nick Hurtgen, who had a brush with the law in Illinois. But the matter was resolved when U.S. District Judge John Grady dismissed extortion charges against Hurtgen.
Lawyers filed notice of the interrogatories on Aug. 22.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Over 60 Billion Sold
The Rooster is out of his cotton pickin' mind!
Roger Breske aka the Rooster or the Turtle, has started an early campaign on gun issues in the 12th Senate District of Wisconsin.
Certainly, unaware of what's necessary to quell the violence that Milwaukee residents face everyday from the homicides and shootings that he can read about everyday in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and see the aftermath on Milwaukee TV.
The Rooster doesn't get it. Guns don't promote "the virtues of our quality of life and the values we hold dear" in the state and elsewhere.
It's all about concealed carry. It's illegal in Wisconsin, only dunderheads like Breske want to make hidden guns legal.
Not surprisingly, NRA gun lobbyist Darren La Sorte bunks at the same hotel as Breske when they're in town, so Breske has likely gotten some gun money for his campaign next year.
Meanwhile, ask the 700,000 heavily-armed deer hunters that take to the tree stands each autumn, if anyone has taken away their rights as law-abiding citizens in the Northwoods.
$88 a Day
The park motor inn bar near the state Capitol has served the Rooster over 60 billion Kessler and Cokes.
Keep the Northwoods safe by electing anybody but Roger Breske.
The Rooster is out of his cotton pickin' mind!
Roger Breske aka the Rooster or the Turtle, has started an early campaign on gun issues in the 12th Senate District of Wisconsin.
Certainly, unaware of what's necessary to quell the violence that Milwaukee residents face everyday from the homicides and shootings that he can read about everyday in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and see the aftermath on Milwaukee TV.
The Rooster doesn't get it. Guns don't promote "the virtues of our quality of life and the values we hold dear" in the state and elsewhere.
It's all about concealed carry. It's illegal in Wisconsin, only dunderheads like Breske want to make hidden guns legal.
Not surprisingly, NRA gun lobbyist Darren La Sorte bunks at the same hotel as Breske when they're in town, so Breske has likely gotten some gun money for his campaign next year.
Meanwhile, ask the 700,000 heavily-armed deer hunters that take to the tree stands each autumn, if anyone has taken away their rights as law-abiding citizens in the Northwoods.
$88 a Day
The park motor inn bar near the state Capitol has served the Rooster over 60 billion Kessler and Cokes.
Keep the Northwoods safe by electing anybody but Roger Breske.
Monday, August 20, 2007
It's good to be a FOB
It's good to be a friend of Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard.
Look at Paul Humphrey, accused of lying to the court and withholding evidence while attempting to take someone's liberty away, Humphrey has now been found to have violated Wisconsin Supreme Court ethical rules for lawyers.
http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=/wsj/2007/08/07/0708070199.php
Fundamentally, Humphrey violated a duty in an attempt to obtain a "dishonest advantage."
If that sounds familiar, it should. This was the same theory that Blanchard used to prosecute Scott Jensen.
As the prosecution convinced the court of appeals in the Jensen case to observe: "Rather, they are facing prosecution for violating a criminal statute, namely § 946.12(3), which prohibits officials, such as the defendants, from violating their duty as public officials." State v. Jensen, 2004 WI App 89.
Doesn't this same standard apply to Mr. Humphrey?
Hasn't he acted inconsistent with his duties as a prosecutor?
Why isn't he under investigation for a charge of misconduct in public office?
Humphrey tried to incarcerate an innocent man by cheating. It doesn't get any more fundamental or outrageous than that. Mr. Blanchard, why aren't you considering charges against Mr. Humphrey?
Maybe the answer lies in the same territory as to Blanchard's refusal to prosecute local Dem Assembly members. As pointed out during the Jensen case, numerous Dem legislators were engaged in the exact same conduct that was alleged to be criminal and engaged in by Scott Jensen.
It's good to be a Friend of Blanchard's. You don't have to go to prison.
It's good to be a friend of Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard.
Look at Paul Humphrey, accused of lying to the court and withholding evidence while attempting to take someone's liberty away, Humphrey has now been found to have violated Wisconsin Supreme Court ethical rules for lawyers.
http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=/wsj/2007/08/07/0708070199.php
Fundamentally, Humphrey violated a duty in an attempt to obtain a "dishonest advantage."
If that sounds familiar, it should. This was the same theory that Blanchard used to prosecute Scott Jensen.
As the prosecution convinced the court of appeals in the Jensen case to observe: "Rather, they are facing prosecution for violating a criminal statute, namely § 946.12(3), which prohibits officials, such as the defendants, from violating their duty as public officials." State v. Jensen, 2004 WI App 89.
Doesn't this same standard apply to Mr. Humphrey?
Hasn't he acted inconsistent with his duties as a prosecutor?
Why isn't he under investigation for a charge of misconduct in public office?
Humphrey tried to incarcerate an innocent man by cheating. It doesn't get any more fundamental or outrageous than that. Mr. Blanchard, why aren't you considering charges against Mr. Humphrey?
Maybe the answer lies in the same territory as to Blanchard's refusal to prosecute local Dem Assembly members. As pointed out during the Jensen case, numerous Dem legislators were engaged in the exact same conduct that was alleged to be criminal and engaged in by Scott Jensen.
It's good to be a Friend of Blanchard's. You don't have to go to prison.
$88 a Day
After meeting for an hour or so on Tuesday this week, the nonproductive legislative conference committee on the budget abandons its work, again, on resolving differences over the state budget to join Doug La Follette in his daily, leisurely stroll around the downtown Capital City area.
It's a Birds of A Feather Flock Together kind of thing.
After meeting for an hour or so on Tuesday this week, the nonproductive legislative conference committee on the budget abandons its work, again, on resolving differences over the state budget to join Doug La Follette in his daily, leisurely stroll around the downtown Capital City area.
It's a Birds of A Feather Flock Together kind of thing.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
$88 a Day
Wisconsin Works ((W-2)
The conference committee met nonproductively on the state budget in a two and a half hour meeting Thursday, the sixth meeting of the committee since negotiations began July 25.
The very expensive and labor-intensive legislative showdown involves 489 Republicans and Democrats, including assemblymen and senators in town for per diem, and roughly 127 senate and 199 assembly staffers and about 31 supporting clerks and staff.
What a scam.
For example, staffers Katy (Heringlake) Venskus and Kurt Schultz enjoy high-paid no-show jobs at taxpayer largess.
The state will go bankrupt at this rate.
Wisconsin Works ((W-2)
The conference committee met nonproductively on the state budget in a two and a half hour meeting Thursday, the sixth meeting of the committee since negotiations began July 25.
The very expensive and labor-intensive legislative showdown involves 489 Republicans and Democrats, including assemblymen and senators in town for per diem, and roughly 127 senate and 199 assembly staffers and about 31 supporting clerks and staff.
What a scam.
For example, staffers Katy (Heringlake) Venskus and Kurt Schultz enjoy high-paid no-show jobs at taxpayer largess.
The state will go bankrupt at this rate.
Rum Bamboozle with Pioneer Moose at the Madison Club
A savvy Political Capital reader points to a titillating sidebar on Nick Hurtgen, former Bear, Stearns money manager talked about in Tom Roeser blog.
www.tomroeser.com
While it's mostly about “evil genius” Karl Rove quitting the White House and the likely impact of his absence on Illinois Republican National Committeeman Bob Kjellander and other Republicans in Illinois politics, Roeser opines on a $10 billion Bear, Stearns deal, a “finder’s fee” and an alleged 2004 kickback scheme and, in the same breath, “broker” Hurtgen, a Pioneer donor to George W. Bush’s 2004 campaign.
Roeser also mentions U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald keeping the meter running on legal fees for those under scrutiny by the federal government, but he doesn't speculate on how much Hurtgen spent to retain Chicago attorney Ron Safer and auxiliary lawyer Steve Hurley.
In dismissing extortion charges against Hurtgen, U.S. District Judge John Grady said the indictment "does not allege that Hurtgen knew that Stuart Levine was favoring Jacob Kiferbaum for a reason having nothing to do with Kiferbaum's qualifications to do the work."
Hurtgen, a former managing director in the Bear, Stearns & Co. Chicago office and also a one-time aide to then-Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, had faced three counts each of mail fraud and wire fraud and one count of extortion in the federal investigation of corruption involving the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board.
A savvy Political Capital reader points to a titillating sidebar on Nick Hurtgen, former Bear, Stearns money manager talked about in Tom Roeser blog.
www.tomroeser.com
While it's mostly about “evil genius” Karl Rove quitting the White House and the likely impact of his absence on Illinois Republican National Committeeman Bob Kjellander and other Republicans in Illinois politics, Roeser opines on a $10 billion Bear, Stearns deal, a “finder’s fee” and an alleged 2004 kickback scheme and, in the same breath, “broker” Hurtgen, a Pioneer donor to George W. Bush’s 2004 campaign.
Roeser also mentions U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald keeping the meter running on legal fees for those under scrutiny by the federal government, but he doesn't speculate on how much Hurtgen spent to retain Chicago attorney Ron Safer and auxiliary lawyer Steve Hurley.
In dismissing extortion charges against Hurtgen, U.S. District Judge John Grady said the indictment "does not allege that Hurtgen knew that Stuart Levine was favoring Jacob Kiferbaum for a reason having nothing to do with Kiferbaum's qualifications to do the work."
Hurtgen, a former managing director in the Bear, Stearns & Co. Chicago office and also a one-time aide to then-Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, had faced three counts each of mail fraud and wire fraud and one count of extortion in the federal investigation of corruption involving the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Welcome to the Moose Club
Upcoming Events: August 2007
Taste Rum Bamboozle amid idle speculation over the whereabouts of Nick Hurtgen, while watching MacGyver reruns at the Jamaican Patio Party Friday night in the Madison Club.
A criminal probe put Hurtgen under scrutiny for months during the investigation in a Health Board Case, until a federal judge dismissed charges against him. A former managing director in the Bear, Stearns & Co. Chicago office, Hurtgen was accused of helping an Illinois official pressure a hospital to hire a favored contractor for a $113 million project.
Jamaican party revelers: Tony Varda is ready to take your call.
Although a tradition and one of many other fantastic benefits of membership at the Madison Club, the popular Negligent Dancing Night is cancelled until further notice.
Upcoming Events: August 2007
Taste Rum Bamboozle amid idle speculation over the whereabouts of Nick Hurtgen, while watching MacGyver reruns at the Jamaican Patio Party Friday night in the Madison Club.
A criminal probe put Hurtgen under scrutiny for months during the investigation in a Health Board Case, until a federal judge dismissed charges against him. A former managing director in the Bear, Stearns & Co. Chicago office, Hurtgen was accused of helping an Illinois official pressure a hospital to hire a favored contractor for a $113 million project.
Jamaican party revelers: Tony Varda is ready to take your call.
Although a tradition and one of many other fantastic benefits of membership at the Madison Club, the popular Negligent Dancing Night is cancelled until further notice.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Do As I Say, Not As I Do
Ironically, the small business lobbyist (no, it’s not IBA or NFIB) who can’t seem to find support for universal health care coverage because he questions how a payroll tax can be “fairly” applied to part-time employees is, in fact, insured under a policy at his spouse’s place of employment. His wife is a part-time employee of a state agency.
So, the lobbying organization professing to be a proponent of health insurance benefits for workers doesn’t insure its executive director. Nor does it provide health care coverage to a tippler "lobbyist" on its payroll, who was directed to Medicare for health benefits when he turned 65.
Fore!
Forget the first three nonproductive sessions of the budget conference committee, which started July 25, Fitz has got a golf fundraiser on tap.
Monday, it’s the 14th Annual Fitzgerald Open at the Old Hickory Country Club in Beaver Dam.
Errant shots Sen. Scott Fitzgerald and brother, Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald, both are asking $3,000 to sponsor a hole, or $600 per person, for their annual golf outing, which includes golf, cart, golf balls, score card, tees, driving range, lunch, dinner, adult drink tickets, hole-in-one prizes. Dinner costs only $100. Sorry. AllPACed out.
Down and Out in River Hills
Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, D-Milwaukee, intends on relinquishing his Assembly seat to challenge veteran Republican Sen. Alberta Darling in the 8th Senate District.
Ironically, the small business lobbyist (no, it’s not IBA or NFIB) who can’t seem to find support for universal health care coverage because he questions how a payroll tax can be “fairly” applied to part-time employees is, in fact, insured under a policy at his spouse’s place of employment. His wife is a part-time employee of a state agency.
So, the lobbying organization professing to be a proponent of health insurance benefits for workers doesn’t insure its executive director. Nor does it provide health care coverage to a tippler "lobbyist" on its payroll, who was directed to Medicare for health benefits when he turned 65.
Fore!
Forget the first three nonproductive sessions of the budget conference committee, which started July 25, Fitz has got a golf fundraiser on tap.
Monday, it’s the 14th Annual Fitzgerald Open at the Old Hickory Country Club in Beaver Dam.
Errant shots Sen. Scott Fitzgerald and brother, Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald, both are asking $3,000 to sponsor a hole, or $600 per person, for their annual golf outing, which includes golf, cart, golf balls, score card, tees, driving range, lunch, dinner, adult drink tickets, hole-in-one prizes. Dinner costs only $100. Sorry. AllPACed out.
Down and Out in River Hills
Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, D-Milwaukee, intends on relinquishing his Assembly seat to challenge veteran Republican Sen. Alberta Darling in the 8th Senate District.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Moose Doctrine at the Madison Club: They’ll let anyone in
After a brush with the law, Nick Hurtgen seems to be keeping a low profile these days.
Nothing like the suspicious-looking lobbyists at the Madison Club, who, insiders suspect, after quaffing a few adult beverages at the bar, are likely in the federal witness protection program.
At least no word since Hurtgen's wife and Wispolitics financial backer Phil Prange’s sister, Catherine, gave to Tommy G. Thompson's presidential campaign fund.
Does Nick have gainful employment after the Bear Stearns gig?
Are the Hurtgen’s still house hunting in Madison?
Stay tuned.
After a brush with the law, Nick Hurtgen seems to be keeping a low profile these days.
Nothing like the suspicious-looking lobbyists at the Madison Club, who, insiders suspect, after quaffing a few adult beverages at the bar, are likely in the federal witness protection program.
At least no word since Hurtgen's wife and Wispolitics financial backer Phil Prange’s sister, Catherine, gave to Tommy G. Thompson's presidential campaign fund.
Does Nick have gainful employment after the Bear Stearns gig?
Are the Hurtgen’s still house hunting in Madison?
Stay tuned.
Two Cents for Tooth Sense and a Republican that gives a darn
When the Assembly Republicans in the natural resources committee wanted to use housecats for target practice, state Rep. Garey Bies, R-Sister Bay, said that wasn’t right.
Bies then told a story about his cat and the affection he has for it.
Recently, he told the mainstream media about growing up poor in a large family, and being thankful for a program in Oshkosh that made it financially possible for him to see a dentist.
Assembly Bill 237 is a bill authored by Bies that would impose a tax on soft drinks - which dentists say increase risk of tooth decay - to subsidize dental access for low-income people and to pay for dental education.
“The money deposited into a dental access trust fund would be used to enhance the reimbursement payment for dentists' services provided to recipients under the Medical Assistance program for the poor, and to fund grants from the Department of Health and Family Services for dental public health and dental education projects,” according to the Capital Times.
Although a decent, thoughtful bill, glib Brandon Scholz, grocer cart czar, doesn’t like it.
In fact, nothing is quite good enough if it doesn’t improve the bottom line of dispirited lobbyist and transparent Wispolitics “insider” Scholz.
AB 237 is good public policy.
When the Assembly Republicans in the natural resources committee wanted to use housecats for target practice, state Rep. Garey Bies, R-Sister Bay, said that wasn’t right.
Bies then told a story about his cat and the affection he has for it.
Recently, he told the mainstream media about growing up poor in a large family, and being thankful for a program in Oshkosh that made it financially possible for him to see a dentist.
Assembly Bill 237 is a bill authored by Bies that would impose a tax on soft drinks - which dentists say increase risk of tooth decay - to subsidize dental access for low-income people and to pay for dental education.
“The money deposited into a dental access trust fund would be used to enhance the reimbursement payment for dentists' services provided to recipients under the Medical Assistance program for the poor, and to fund grants from the Department of Health and Family Services for dental public health and dental education projects,” according to the Capital Times.
Although a decent, thoughtful bill, glib Brandon Scholz, grocer cart czar, doesn’t like it.
In fact, nothing is quite good enough if it doesn’t improve the bottom line of dispirited lobbyist and transparent Wispolitics “insider” Scholz.
AB 237 is good public policy.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
No health insurance often means that people will postpone necessary care
Steve Walters lit into state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, the other day because Vinehout lent her campaign $7,000 days before her election last year.
It's uncertain who leaked the information to Walters, but Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, now wants an explanation for Vinehout’s decision to use the money for campaigning and not buy health insurance.
Vinehout successfully defeated ineffectual Sen. Ron Brown, R-Eau Claire, in the Nov. 7 election.
Maybe Walters' article will encourage those in the assembly and and senate up for reelection in November 2008 to forgo their state-paid health care insurance once they hit the campaign trail.
Nah.
Steve Walters lit into state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, the other day because Vinehout lent her campaign $7,000 days before her election last year.
It's uncertain who leaked the information to Walters, but Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, now wants an explanation for Vinehout’s decision to use the money for campaigning and not buy health insurance.
Vinehout successfully defeated ineffectual Sen. Ron Brown, R-Eau Claire, in the Nov. 7 election.
Maybe Walters' article will encourage those in the assembly and and senate up for reelection in November 2008 to forgo their state-paid health care insurance once they hit the campaign trail.
Nah.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
While collecting a full salary, health care insurance, other benefits and perks such as per diem, mileage and office expenses, Legislators met for two hours Thursday but adjourned for a week without accomplishing anything.
Free Parking
The 2007-’09 state budget is a lot like Doug LaFollette’s car - it’s not goin’ anywhere anytime soon.
Although state taxpayers subsidize both vehicles, neither has an incentive to move.
No charge for the patina of dust collecting on LaFollette’s automobile parked in the basement garage of GEF 1.
Bigfoot- four Democrats and four Republicans – negotiating the budget haven’t made much progress, either.
Both entities enjoy collecting freebies too much.
Ninety-nine assemblymen and 33 senators get their pay and per diem and their own private offices in the state Capitol plus roomfuls of high-paid staffers.
And LaFollette, the secretary of state, gets free parking while strolling aimlessly around the city of Madison looking for free peanuts.
Reminiscent of John Murray paid a whopping $90,000 a year as a former employee of Richland Center Republican Dale Schultz, now working as a $10.62-per-hour aide to Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch.
Legislative staffers on the public dole quickly learn how difficult it is, if not impossible, to find similar employment in the private sector that pays such an outrageous salary for bare minimum qualifications.
Meanwhile, of all the budget conferees, Kitty Rhoades seems to be the leggie that Steve Walters quotes the most.
On Wisconsin!
Free Parking
The 2007-’09 state budget is a lot like Doug LaFollette’s car - it’s not goin’ anywhere anytime soon.
Although state taxpayers subsidize both vehicles, neither has an incentive to move.
No charge for the patina of dust collecting on LaFollette’s automobile parked in the basement garage of GEF 1.
Bigfoot- four Democrats and four Republicans – negotiating the budget haven’t made much progress, either.
Both entities enjoy collecting freebies too much.
Ninety-nine assemblymen and 33 senators get their pay and per diem and their own private offices in the state Capitol plus roomfuls of high-paid staffers.
And LaFollette, the secretary of state, gets free parking while strolling aimlessly around the city of Madison looking for free peanuts.
Reminiscent of John Murray paid a whopping $90,000 a year as a former employee of Richland Center Republican Dale Schultz, now working as a $10.62-per-hour aide to Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch.
Legislative staffers on the public dole quickly learn how difficult it is, if not impossible, to find similar employment in the private sector that pays such an outrageous salary for bare minimum qualifications.
Meanwhile, of all the budget conferees, Kitty Rhoades seems to be the leggie that Steve Walters quotes the most.
On Wisconsin!
Monday, August 06, 2007
After Serving His Time in Custody
Former state Sen. Gary R. George, D-Milwaukee, is scheduled to be released from federal incarceration on Saturday, Aug. 11.
In January 2004 George pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in a corruption investigation involving kickbacks from an attorney working with local nonprofit organization.
In August 2004, George was sentenced to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
George served his time for misconduct in office in federal prisons in Duluth, Minn., South Dakota and a halfway house in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee lawyer Mark Sostarich pleaded guilty to participating in a kickback scheme with George.
Former state Sen. Gary R. George, D-Milwaukee, is scheduled to be released from federal incarceration on Saturday, Aug. 11.
In January 2004 George pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in a corruption investigation involving kickbacks from an attorney working with local nonprofit organization.
In August 2004, George was sentenced to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
George served his time for misconduct in office in federal prisons in Duluth, Minn., South Dakota and a halfway house in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee lawyer Mark Sostarich pleaded guilty to participating in a kickback scheme with George.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
All Politics All the Time
Despite Patrick Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, hot on the trail, Nick Hurtgen, apparently, has dodged big-time federal corruption charges.
Criminal prosecutors stopped pursuing their case when U.S. District Judge John Grady dismissed the charges against Hurtgen in March 2007.
A federal grand jury charged Hurtgen in 2005.
Indicted in Illinois, Hurtgen was charged with three counts of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud and one count of extortion in a complex pay-to-play scheme involving construction and financing for hospital and healthcare facilities.
Hurtgen is the brother-in-law of Madison Club frequenter and Wispolitics Publishing financial backer Phil Prange. Both have historic political ties with presidential hopeful Tommy G. Thompson.
$50,000 lawsuit
Now, a jury trial is expected in a non-related civil case involving Phil Prange’s brother, David Prange, who Lacey Hindman and her lawyer, David M. Baum have accused of "negligent dancing."
Hindman sued David Prange in March 2007 in Cook County Circuit Court. Hindman said in the suit she “suffered a fractured skull and brain injuries." She is seeking $50,000 damages for medical bills and lost wages for time missed from work.
The Jukebox was Playing
According to reports, “The small-framed 22-year-old said she was surprised as the stocky-built (David) Prange tossed her airborne and she crashed headfirst into the hardwood floor at Stanley’s Kitchen and Tap” a barroom in Chicago.
A conference in the case is set for Aug. 24 in the courtroom of Cook County Circuit Judge Elizabeth M. Budzinski.
Despite Patrick Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, hot on the trail, Nick Hurtgen, apparently, has dodged big-time federal corruption charges.
Criminal prosecutors stopped pursuing their case when U.S. District Judge John Grady dismissed the charges against Hurtgen in March 2007.
A federal grand jury charged Hurtgen in 2005.
Indicted in Illinois, Hurtgen was charged with three counts of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud and one count of extortion in a complex pay-to-play scheme involving construction and financing for hospital and healthcare facilities.
Hurtgen is the brother-in-law of Madison Club frequenter and Wispolitics Publishing financial backer Phil Prange. Both have historic political ties with presidential hopeful Tommy G. Thompson.
$50,000 lawsuit
Now, a jury trial is expected in a non-related civil case involving Phil Prange’s brother, David Prange, who Lacey Hindman and her lawyer, David M. Baum have accused of "negligent dancing."
Hindman sued David Prange in March 2007 in Cook County Circuit Court. Hindman said in the suit she “suffered a fractured skull and brain injuries." She is seeking $50,000 damages for medical bills and lost wages for time missed from work.
The Jukebox was Playing
According to reports, “The small-framed 22-year-old said she was surprised as the stocky-built (David) Prange tossed her airborne and she crashed headfirst into the hardwood floor at Stanley’s Kitchen and Tap” a barroom in Chicago.
A conference in the case is set for Aug. 24 in the courtroom of Cook County Circuit Judge Elizabeth M. Budzinski.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Insular Capitol Press Corps on "Need to Know" Basis
Notice it took a blog and an out state columnist to point out the defective ruling of Dane County Judge David Flanagan allowing lawmakers to keep drafts of legislation confidential is a disservice to open government.
The Capitol press corps, in name only, benefiting from free office space in the state Capitol, apparently, doesn’t believe it needs to know. Nor does it have the intent or inclination to criticize Flanagan’s ruling in June in a case brought by former Atty. Gen. Peg Lautenschlager.
(Dane County Judge Supplies Ammo to Virginia-based Gun Lobby, Political Capital June 29)
Lautenschlager sued two lawmakers in 2005 for failing to make public the draft of their bill to legalize the carrying of concealed weapons after they shared the draft with the National Rifle Association lobbyist Darren La Sorte and other NRA supporters including, in all probability, Wausau attorney Buster Bachhuber.
Although, Flanagan said the state's open records law doesn't apply until after a bill is formally introduced, the columnist in the Appleton Post-Crescent correctly surmised that the public has a right to know because, as taxpayers, they pay the freight for those crafting legislation.
“It's also appalling that taxpayers must pay the $400,000 in legal fees run up by lawmakers so they can limit your knowledge of what they're working on,” columnist Greg Peck said.
Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, one of the lawmakers sued by Lautenschlager, hailed Flanagan's ruling as protecting the "institutional integrity of the Legislature."
The columnist correctly points out that ruling actually squashes integrity.
“If it doesn't allow special interests such as the NRA or whomever to essentially write legislation, the ruling certainly allows them inside tracks to lobby for bills,” the columnist said.
"Need to know" needs to be replaced by full disclosure
Atty. Gen. J.B. Van Hollen should have the chutzpah to appeal Flanagan's ruling. And lawmakers should adopt an open records bill proposed by Rep. Louis Molepske, D-Stevens Point.
Assembly Bill 84 would allow anyone who believes a bill has been shared with lobbyists or others outside the circle of government staffers drafting the bill to make an open records request of the lawmaker who is having the bill prepared.
“I can think of no reason why the general public should not have equal access to the very documents that their taxes help to pay for," said Molepske.
Also contradictory is the Capital Times recently agreeing with the state Democratic convention overwhelmingly voting Lautenschlager the best attorney general for Wisconsin, while failing to mention the paper supported Democrat Kathleen Falk “Falk Strikes Right Note” in the last election.
The Cap Times is right to endorse Lautenschlager at anytime.
Notice it took a blog and an out state columnist to point out the defective ruling of Dane County Judge David Flanagan allowing lawmakers to keep drafts of legislation confidential is a disservice to open government.
The Capitol press corps, in name only, benefiting from free office space in the state Capitol, apparently, doesn’t believe it needs to know. Nor does it have the intent or inclination to criticize Flanagan’s ruling in June in a case brought by former Atty. Gen. Peg Lautenschlager.
(Dane County Judge Supplies Ammo to Virginia-based Gun Lobby, Political Capital June 29)
Lautenschlager sued two lawmakers in 2005 for failing to make public the draft of their bill to legalize the carrying of concealed weapons after they shared the draft with the National Rifle Association lobbyist Darren La Sorte and other NRA supporters including, in all probability, Wausau attorney Buster Bachhuber.
Although, Flanagan said the state's open records law doesn't apply until after a bill is formally introduced, the columnist in the Appleton Post-Crescent correctly surmised that the public has a right to know because, as taxpayers, they pay the freight for those crafting legislation.
“It's also appalling that taxpayers must pay the $400,000 in legal fees run up by lawmakers so they can limit your knowledge of what they're working on,” columnist Greg Peck said.
Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, one of the lawmakers sued by Lautenschlager, hailed Flanagan's ruling as protecting the "institutional integrity of the Legislature."
The columnist correctly points out that ruling actually squashes integrity.
“If it doesn't allow special interests such as the NRA or whomever to essentially write legislation, the ruling certainly allows them inside tracks to lobby for bills,” the columnist said.
"Need to know" needs to be replaced by full disclosure
Atty. Gen. J.B. Van Hollen should have the chutzpah to appeal Flanagan's ruling. And lawmakers should adopt an open records bill proposed by Rep. Louis Molepske, D-Stevens Point.
Assembly Bill 84 would allow anyone who believes a bill has been shared with lobbyists or others outside the circle of government staffers drafting the bill to make an open records request of the lawmaker who is having the bill prepared.
“I can think of no reason why the general public should not have equal access to the very documents that their taxes help to pay for," said Molepske.
Also contradictory is the Capital Times recently agreeing with the state Democratic convention overwhelmingly voting Lautenschlager the best attorney general for Wisconsin, while failing to mention the paper supported Democrat Kathleen Falk “Falk Strikes Right Note” in the last election.
The Cap Times is right to endorse Lautenschlager at anytime.
Wineke Parties on Back Nine
In a surprise move, Joe Wineke finds himself in a lucrative lobbying contract with Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.
As he has so often over the years, Wineke made the right choice.
“It’s time to let bygones be bygones,” said Wineke. “Besides, I need a new leather sofa.”
The state Democratic Party chair gave up a $2,000-a-month contract to lobby on behalf of the AT&T telecommunications conglomerate after grass-roots party activists got miffed.
But there’s no concern over Wineke's lobbying on behalf of WMC, plenty of Wineke’s friends in the Democratic Party say.
Accepting the lobbying contract, Wineke replaces Jim Pugh who plans to spend more time lobbying at the downstairs bar in the Madison Club.
This is the result The Capital Times expected when it urged Wineke to give up the AT&T contract. He's a committed Democrat who has made plenty of sacrifices while playing golf for the party.
Wineke is just keeping up with the times of political figures looking out for themselves rather than working for broader goals. He has offered a fine example of the best sort of capital loyalty.
“With housing foreclosures and sluggish real estate sales, I’ll still have time to play 36 holes of golf a day,” said Wineke.
The Democrats are lucky to have Joe Wineke.
In a surprise move, Joe Wineke finds himself in a lucrative lobbying contract with Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.
As he has so often over the years, Wineke made the right choice.
“It’s time to let bygones be bygones,” said Wineke. “Besides, I need a new leather sofa.”
The state Democratic Party chair gave up a $2,000-a-month contract to lobby on behalf of the AT&T telecommunications conglomerate after grass-roots party activists got miffed.
But there’s no concern over Wineke's lobbying on behalf of WMC, plenty of Wineke’s friends in the Democratic Party say.
Accepting the lobbying contract, Wineke replaces Jim Pugh who plans to spend more time lobbying at the downstairs bar in the Madison Club.
This is the result The Capital Times expected when it urged Wineke to give up the AT&T contract. He's a committed Democrat who has made plenty of sacrifices while playing golf for the party.
Wineke is just keeping up with the times of political figures looking out for themselves rather than working for broader goals. He has offered a fine example of the best sort of capital loyalty.
“With housing foreclosures and sluggish real estate sales, I’ll still have time to play 36 holes of golf a day,” said Wineke.
The Democrats are lucky to have Joe Wineke.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
$88 a Day
On the eve of the second meeting of the budget conference committee, Bill Cosh WidePants was spotted strategizing to dour-looking Republican in front of RPWHQ, while, down the street, Budget Buddy Kitty Rhoades was purchasing carryout potables at Pinkus McBride.
It was the time of day following Happy Hour in which Terry Musser had consumed his daily ration of brandy (Korbel when the house buys, non-name-brand booze or rail drinks, if not) mixed with Sprite by the erstwhile barkeep.
Across the bar, pompous Bob Jauch was settling into a private Wapatuli party of wine, gin and scotch. The passivity of Kessler and Coke Roger Breske and Rusty Decker, D-Bricklayer, no stranger to booze, were in the barroom as was Mike Ellis who, true to form, keeps getting ornerier and ornerier (and left out of the budget process since he lost the majority, twice) with each glass full of brandy.
Fitz Throws Out First Pitch
There was Monday night fun and games at the ballpark with the Committee to Elect a Republican Senate watching the Madison Mallards play the La Crosse Loggers at Warner Park. La Crosse Loggers owner, Dan Kapanke was joined by Sens. Scott Fitzgerald, Alberta Darling, Luther Olson, among other political notables in the beer and brat stands.
And a fundraiser Monday for Sen. Lena Taylor in Milwaukee had Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton on hand to dish up the hors d'oeuvres.
What budget negotiations?
On Tuesday Speaker Mike Huebsch was at a fundraiser for Rep. Bill Kramer in Waukesha.
Thursday join the physicians and ask them what they think of affordable health care at Sen. Alberta Darling's Seventh Annual Garden-To-Garden Tour down and out in River Hills.
Hop in your car and drive fast enough and you’ll catch the reception for Sen. Pat Kreitlow at the Stones Throw Lounge in Eau Claire.
Win or Lose We Still Booze
What the pols don’t seem to mind is whether the budget ultimately is $56.3 billion, $66.1 billion, or $68 billion, the piddly differences between the two houses can be settled because it’s taxpayer’s money: it doesn’t belong to the politicians, they just want to get reelected.
On the eve of the second meeting of the budget conference committee, Bill Cosh WidePants was spotted strategizing to dour-looking Republican in front of RPWHQ, while, down the street, Budget Buddy Kitty Rhoades was purchasing carryout potables at Pinkus McBride.
It was the time of day following Happy Hour in which Terry Musser had consumed his daily ration of brandy (Korbel when the house buys, non-name-brand booze or rail drinks, if not) mixed with Sprite by the erstwhile barkeep.
Across the bar, pompous Bob Jauch was settling into a private Wapatuli party of wine, gin and scotch. The passivity of Kessler and Coke Roger Breske and Rusty Decker, D-Bricklayer, no stranger to booze, were in the barroom as was Mike Ellis who, true to form, keeps getting ornerier and ornerier (and left out of the budget process since he lost the majority, twice) with each glass full of brandy.
Fitz Throws Out First Pitch
There was Monday night fun and games at the ballpark with the Committee to Elect a Republican Senate watching the Madison Mallards play the La Crosse Loggers at Warner Park. La Crosse Loggers owner, Dan Kapanke was joined by Sens. Scott Fitzgerald, Alberta Darling, Luther Olson, among other political notables in the beer and brat stands.
And a fundraiser Monday for Sen. Lena Taylor in Milwaukee had Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton on hand to dish up the hors d'oeuvres.
What budget negotiations?
On Tuesday Speaker Mike Huebsch was at a fundraiser for Rep. Bill Kramer in Waukesha.
Thursday join the physicians and ask them what they think of affordable health care at Sen. Alberta Darling's Seventh Annual Garden-To-Garden Tour down and out in River Hills.
Hop in your car and drive fast enough and you’ll catch the reception for Sen. Pat Kreitlow at the Stones Throw Lounge in Eau Claire.
Win or Lose We Still Booze
What the pols don’t seem to mind is whether the budget ultimately is $56.3 billion, $66.1 billion, or $68 billion, the piddly differences between the two houses can be settled because it’s taxpayer’s money: it doesn’t belong to the politicians, they just want to get reelected.
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