Raise, from $100,000 to $250,000, the cap on federal deposit insurance
Hmm. The FDIC would be allowed to borrow unlimited money from the Treasury Department through the end of next year as a way to cover the increased insurance limit to bailout the errant money managers. What is wrong with this picture?
Oh, well, just tell the movie theater the feds are paying for your ticket to see W.
Must-see Movie
Oliver Stone's "W." is the first movie about a president still in office.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
House ignores G. Dubya, ditches $700 billion bailout bill.
Disappointed Dubya coaxes lawmakers to try again until the cows come home.
Whenever a vote goes awry, lobbyists revise the plan and take another vote. But wouldn't it be nice to see democracy, accountability and justice instead of the current power grab.
"We're all worried about losing our jobs," Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, declared in support of the bill before the vote. "Most of us say, 'I want this thing to pass, but I want you to vote for it — not me.'"
Former Tommy Thompson hack and bondsman Nick Hurtgen trial Nov. 3 in Chicago on extortion charges.
WI leggies/aides score big time
Before aide John Murray got a job as a $10.62-per-hour limited term employee (LTE) in the office of Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, he was a former $90,000-a-year state senate employee of Dale Schultz.
Now, Murray’s back in the money.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel also reported a year ago that lawmakers tapped their campaign accounts to pay for meals and hotels on days they also received per diem payments from taxpayers for the same purposes.
www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=687359
Wisconsin lawmakers now get in line to receive a 6.3 percent pay increase in ’09.
Never mind that they receive $47,413 a year, plus $88 per day in expense money for every day they set foot in the state Capitol, and then bolt for the links or a convenient watering hole.
Disappointed Dubya coaxes lawmakers to try again until the cows come home.
Whenever a vote goes awry, lobbyists revise the plan and take another vote. But wouldn't it be nice to see democracy, accountability and justice instead of the current power grab.
"We're all worried about losing our jobs," Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, declared in support of the bill before the vote. "Most of us say, 'I want this thing to pass, but I want you to vote for it — not me.'"
Former Tommy Thompson hack and bondsman Nick Hurtgen trial Nov. 3 in Chicago on extortion charges.
WI leggies/aides score big time
Before aide John Murray got a job as a $10.62-per-hour limited term employee (LTE) in the office of Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, he was a former $90,000-a-year state senate employee of Dale Schultz.
Now, Murray’s back in the money.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel also reported a year ago that lawmakers tapped their campaign accounts to pay for meals and hotels on days they also received per diem payments from taxpayers for the same purposes.
www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=687359
Wisconsin lawmakers now get in line to receive a 6.3 percent pay increase in ’09.
Never mind that they receive $47,413 a year, plus $88 per day in expense money for every day they set foot in the state Capitol, and then bolt for the links or a convenient watering hole.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Deal WI lawmakers out of pay raise, they’re too darned fat already
WISCONSIN LEGISLATORS ARE SCHEDULED to receive a 6.3 percent pay increase in ’09. Without the pay raise, they will still receive $47,413 a year, plus $88 per day in expense money for every day they set foot in the state Capitol.
They also have at least 350 idle support staffers doing their bidding and answering occasional phone calls.
Ever wonder how they overcame the tedium of sitting in an office all day without much to do, before the Internet came along?
According to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, Wisconsin legislative pay is among top 10 nationally: One of Only 10 States With Full-Time Legislatures
MADISON—Reflecting its status as one of 10 states with a full-time legislature, in 2007, Wisconsin paid its state lawmakers $47,413 per year, ninth-highest nationally. Legislators also received payments of up to $88 for each day served (per diem) in Madison. This is one of many findings from the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX) comparative study of state legislatures, "Wisconsin Legislature: Exception or Norm?" WISTAX is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public-policy research organization dedicated to citizen education.
In addition to a salary, legislators here receive retirement benefits. Wisconsin is one of 19 states where enrollment is mandatory. Only 10 states nationally do not provide legislators with retirement benefits.
The WISTAX study also finds Wisconsin to be one of 23 states providing full-time staff to assembly members, and one of 25 states providing full-time staff to its senators. Other states provide session-only staff, shared staff, or no staff to legislators.
Of the 10 states with a full-time legislature, Wisconsin is the smallest. Neighboring Illinois and Michigan have full-time legislatures, as do California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Compared to Wisconsin’s 5.6 million population, the other states have between 6.4 and 36.6 million people.
In Wisconsin, there are no limits on session length and, therefore, no constitutional requirement to finalize general legislation by a given date. A majority of states (27) have constitutional limits on session length, while 11 states limit it by statute or other method.
WISTAX also compared sizes of state legislatures. Wisconsin’s 132-member (99 assembly and 33 senate) legislature is smaller than those in 31 states. As a result of smaller size and growing population, Wisconsin has a higher number of residents represented by each legislator (56,582 per assembly member and 169,747 per senator). The national average is 55,742 and 156,931 respectively. Wisconsin’s constitution limits the size of the legislature to a maximum of 133 members (100 assembly and 33 senate).
In other respects, Wisconsin’s legislature is similar to those elsewhere. Like most states, representatives here serve two-year terms and senators four. Only five states have four-year terms for the lower house and 12 have two-year terms for senators.
Wisconsin and most states do not set limits on the number of terms representatives and senators can serve. As of 2006, 35 states did not have term limits, while 15 states had limits ranging from six to 12 years. Wisconsin’s only neighbor to enact term limits is Michigan.
Although not a yearly requirement, the Wisconsin legislature, like those in many other states, is primarily responsible for redistricting following the federal census. Twenty states have systems that work with bipartisan or nonpartisan commissions or legislative staff to accomplish redistricting. Nearby Iowa uses nonpartisan legislative staff to develop new districts.
Finally, the new study notes that Wisconsin varies from the national norm in terms of partisan control. There are only three states, including Wisconsin, where Republicans currently control the lower house (assembly) and Democrats control the senate. It is more common for one party to control both houses.
WISCONSIN LEGISLATORS ARE SCHEDULED to receive a 6.3 percent pay increase in ’09. Without the pay raise, they will still receive $47,413 a year, plus $88 per day in expense money for every day they set foot in the state Capitol.
They also have at least 350 idle support staffers doing their bidding and answering occasional phone calls.
Ever wonder how they overcame the tedium of sitting in an office all day without much to do, before the Internet came along?
According to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, Wisconsin legislative pay is among top 10 nationally: One of Only 10 States With Full-Time Legislatures
MADISON—Reflecting its status as one of 10 states with a full-time legislature, in 2007, Wisconsin paid its state lawmakers $47,413 per year, ninth-highest nationally. Legislators also received payments of up to $88 for each day served (per diem) in Madison. This is one of many findings from the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX) comparative study of state legislatures, "Wisconsin Legislature: Exception or Norm?" WISTAX is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public-policy research organization dedicated to citizen education.
In addition to a salary, legislators here receive retirement benefits. Wisconsin is one of 19 states where enrollment is mandatory. Only 10 states nationally do not provide legislators with retirement benefits.
The WISTAX study also finds Wisconsin to be one of 23 states providing full-time staff to assembly members, and one of 25 states providing full-time staff to its senators. Other states provide session-only staff, shared staff, or no staff to legislators.
Of the 10 states with a full-time legislature, Wisconsin is the smallest. Neighboring Illinois and Michigan have full-time legislatures, as do California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Compared to Wisconsin’s 5.6 million population, the other states have between 6.4 and 36.6 million people.
In Wisconsin, there are no limits on session length and, therefore, no constitutional requirement to finalize general legislation by a given date. A majority of states (27) have constitutional limits on session length, while 11 states limit it by statute or other method.
WISTAX also compared sizes of state legislatures. Wisconsin’s 132-member (99 assembly and 33 senate) legislature is smaller than those in 31 states. As a result of smaller size and growing population, Wisconsin has a higher number of residents represented by each legislator (56,582 per assembly member and 169,747 per senator). The national average is 55,742 and 156,931 respectively. Wisconsin’s constitution limits the size of the legislature to a maximum of 133 members (100 assembly and 33 senate).
In other respects, Wisconsin’s legislature is similar to those elsewhere. Like most states, representatives here serve two-year terms and senators four. Only five states have four-year terms for the lower house and 12 have two-year terms for senators.
Wisconsin and most states do not set limits on the number of terms representatives and senators can serve. As of 2006, 35 states did not have term limits, while 15 states had limits ranging from six to 12 years. Wisconsin’s only neighbor to enact term limits is Michigan.
Although not a yearly requirement, the Wisconsin legislature, like those in many other states, is primarily responsible for redistricting following the federal census. Twenty states have systems that work with bipartisan or nonpartisan commissions or legislative staff to accomplish redistricting. Nearby Iowa uses nonpartisan legislative staff to develop new districts.
Finally, the new study notes that Wisconsin varies from the national norm in terms of partisan control. There are only three states, including Wisconsin, where Republicans currently control the lower house (assembly) and Democrats control the senate. It is more common for one party to control both houses.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Vastly understating the case
Bush expressed confidence that lawmakers soon would approve a rescue plan. He acknowledged that many Americans are frustrated and angry that up to $700 billion in tax dollars may be needed to cover Wall Street firms' mistakes.
Bush expressed confidence that lawmakers soon would approve a rescue plan. He acknowledged that many Americans are frustrated and angry that up to $700 billion in tax dollars may be needed to cover Wall Street firms' mistakes.
NTI Nuclear Threat Initiative http://www.nti.org/
Uranium and plutonium for WMD and putting nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorists and rogue nations?
Nope, it’s only for energy purposes.
Uranium and plutonium for WMD and putting nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorists and rogue nations?
Nope, it’s only for energy purposes.
SCARE TACTICS: Wisconsin cannot afford to skimp on higher education without hurting its economy and future
SCRIMPING CHANCELLORS are impoverished compared to Donna Katen-Bahensky, chief executive officer of UW Hospital, whose salary is $600,000.
However, four University of Wisconsin chancellors, reportedly, are slated to receive pay raises of between 3.5 percent and nearly 5 percent.
The Board of Regents will approve the raises at its meeting next week.
Milwaukee chancellor Carlos Santiago receives a 4.99 percent raise, upping his salary from $280,000 to more than $314,000.
UW Colleges and UW Extension chancellor David Wilson would also get a 4.99 percent increase. His salary would go from nearly $201,000 to nearly $211,000.
Stevens Point chancellor Linda Bunnell' salary would increase 3.76 percent from about $199,000 to $207,000.
And Eau Claire chancellor Brian Levin-Stankevich is in line for a 3.54 percent increase. His salary would go from nearly $200,000 to nearly $205,000.
Wisconsin’s minimum wage is a whopping $6.50 an hour or $2.33 an hour if you receive tips for a living.
Greedy People Award
It’s unthinkable to reward rich ivory tower types with more money while the minimum wage in Wisconsin is stuck at $6.50 an hour.
And paying Katen-Bahensky $600,000 set a very avarice and expensive precedent.
Nevertheless, you can almost hear the chancellors whining on state time, using state resources, about the unfairness of it all. Complaining that they deserve their astronomical salaries and benefits (and a free luxury car) too.
Maybe those with a hyphenated name automatically receive high salaries.
SCRIMPING CHANCELLORS are impoverished compared to Donna Katen-Bahensky, chief executive officer of UW Hospital, whose salary is $600,000.
However, four University of Wisconsin chancellors, reportedly, are slated to receive pay raises of between 3.5 percent and nearly 5 percent.
The Board of Regents will approve the raises at its meeting next week.
Milwaukee chancellor Carlos Santiago receives a 4.99 percent raise, upping his salary from $280,000 to more than $314,000.
UW Colleges and UW Extension chancellor David Wilson would also get a 4.99 percent increase. His salary would go from nearly $201,000 to nearly $211,000.
Stevens Point chancellor Linda Bunnell' salary would increase 3.76 percent from about $199,000 to $207,000.
And Eau Claire chancellor Brian Levin-Stankevich is in line for a 3.54 percent increase. His salary would go from nearly $200,000 to nearly $205,000.
Wisconsin’s minimum wage is a whopping $6.50 an hour or $2.33 an hour if you receive tips for a living.
Greedy People Award
It’s unthinkable to reward rich ivory tower types with more money while the minimum wage in Wisconsin is stuck at $6.50 an hour.
And paying Katen-Bahensky $600,000 set a very avarice and expensive precedent.
Nevertheless, you can almost hear the chancellors whining on state time, using state resources, about the unfairness of it all. Complaining that they deserve their astronomical salaries and benefits (and a free luxury car) too.
Maybe those with a hyphenated name automatically receive high salaries.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Politics of fear
IF THE TAXPAYERS don't give the administration $700 billion, the economy will collapse.
IF THE TAXPAYERS don't give the administration $5 trillion for war, the country is doomed.
IT ALL ADDS UP to fear fatigue.
MEANWHILE, the 18-wheelers keep rolling and the small shops stay open, despite the Bush administration.
IF THE TAXPAYERS don't give the administration $700 billion, the economy will collapse.
IF THE TAXPAYERS don't give the administration $5 trillion for war, the country is doomed.
IT ALL ADDS UP to fear fatigue.
MEANWHILE, the 18-wheelers keep rolling and the small shops stay open, despite the Bush administration.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
$88 a Day
Mary Hubler and Glenn Grothman collected per diem this week in the sleepy statehouse.
Per diem is a right.
BadgerCare is a privilege.
Mary Hubler and Glenn Grothman collected per diem this week in the sleepy statehouse.
Per diem is a right.
BadgerCare is a privilege.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Right-wing carpetbagger federal court nominee
The White House, on Sept. 9, announced it had sent to the Senate the nomination of J. Mac Davis of Waukesha, to be the next U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin, replacing John C. Shabaz, who is retiring from the bench and has been missing in action since February.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080909-8.html
Although the local media missed the nomination of Mac Davis replacing Shabaz, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel posted it online on Sept. 12 http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=794237
Lawyers in Madison remember when Shabaz was appointed. The Dane County Bar Association refused to have a reception because he was not from the district and he was widely regarded as a less-qualified judge than any number of other candidates. His payback was that he got his revenge and a number of people paid dearly during his tenure.
Now, the Bush administration is history repeating itself by appointing a right-wing nut from outside the district to wreak havoc for 20 or more years in "liberal" Madison.
It seems that highly qualified candidates from the Western District, Madison attorney Stephen Meyer, and Eau Claire County Circuit Judge Lisa Stark, just didn't meet the White House standards for intolerance and inflicting pain in the judicial system. It's to their everlasting credit.
The White House, on Sept. 9, announced it had sent to the Senate the nomination of J. Mac Davis of Waukesha, to be the next U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin, replacing John C. Shabaz, who is retiring from the bench and has been missing in action since February.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080909-8.html
Although the local media missed the nomination of Mac Davis replacing Shabaz, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel posted it online on Sept. 12 http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=794237
Lawyers in Madison remember when Shabaz was appointed. The Dane County Bar Association refused to have a reception because he was not from the district and he was widely regarded as a less-qualified judge than any number of other candidates. His payback was that he got his revenge and a number of people paid dearly during his tenure.
Now, the Bush administration is history repeating itself by appointing a right-wing nut from outside the district to wreak havoc for 20 or more years in "liberal" Madison.
It seems that highly qualified candidates from the Western District, Madison attorney Stephen Meyer, and Eau Claire County Circuit Judge Lisa Stark, just didn't meet the White House standards for intolerance and inflicting pain in the judicial system. It's to their everlasting credit.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Former Tommy Thompson hack and businessman Nick Hurtgen trial Nov. 3 in Chicago on extortion charges.
What J.B.'s reading: How Would God Vote? Why the Bible Commands You to Be a Conservative
J.B. and Lester and Al and Susan
REPUBLICAN ATTORNEY GENERAL J.B. Van Hollen's lawsuit against the state GAB met with Republican Party representatives before filing the suit.
Not surprisingly, attorney Lester Pines is defending GAB against the suit.
Hey, Lester’s everybody’s lawyer.
He’s also Roberta Gassman’s spouse.
Meanwhile, in a statement released to the media earlier today, Al Fish said his residence is “not a John Belushi Animal House” and the “house guest” reclining on Al and Susan Goodwin's couch the other day is not a holdover from a toga party in the basement there.
What J.B.'s reading: How Would God Vote? Why the Bible Commands You to Be a Conservative
J.B. and Lester and Al and Susan
REPUBLICAN ATTORNEY GENERAL J.B. Van Hollen's lawsuit against the state GAB met with Republican Party representatives before filing the suit.
Not surprisingly, attorney Lester Pines is defending GAB against the suit.
Hey, Lester’s everybody’s lawyer.
He’s also Roberta Gassman’s spouse.
Meanwhile, in a statement released to the media earlier today, Al Fish said his residence is “not a John Belushi Animal House” and the “house guest” reclining on Al and Susan Goodwin's couch the other day is not a holdover from a toga party in the basement there.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
MEDIA ADVISORY
First Lady Jessica Doyle to visit home of Gov. Jim Doyle’s top aide
First Lady Jessica Doyle will visit the lakeside home of Doyle’s chief of staff Susan Goodwin and University of Wisconsin-Madison associate chancellor of FACILITIES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT AND A PLACE TO CRASH Al Fish.
Mrs. Doyle will discuss her book club Read On Wisconsin! and the importance of calling ahead for reservations and not sleeping on the sofa in the basement and leaving the place in a mess.
To learn more about Read On Wisconsin! or to join the club, visit http://readon.wi.gov.
First Lady Jessica Doyle’s Events for Friday, September 19, 2008:
10:00 a.m.
Al and Sue’s place
1533 Morrison St.
Madison
First Lady Jessica Doyle to visit home of Gov. Jim Doyle’s top aide
First Lady Jessica Doyle will visit the lakeside home of Doyle’s chief of staff Susan Goodwin and University of Wisconsin-Madison associate chancellor of FACILITIES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT AND A PLACE TO CRASH Al Fish.
Mrs. Doyle will discuss her book club Read On Wisconsin! and the importance of calling ahead for reservations and not sleeping on the sofa in the basement and leaving the place in a mess.
To learn more about Read On Wisconsin! or to join the club, visit http://readon.wi.gov.
First Lady Jessica Doyle’s Events for Friday, September 19, 2008:
10:00 a.m.
Al and Sue’s place
1533 Morrison St.
Madison
Unchecked
Alleged remorse of attorney Chuck Chvala for his past conduct” and that he has “learned from the events of the past few years” is non-discernible as Chvala reportedly “had been working as a Realtor, under restrictions imposed by the state Department of Regulation and Licensing. One of those restrictions was that his work as a Realtor be supervised by a broker, who records show to be his daughter.”
Everybody else is chucked.
Alleged remorse of attorney Chuck Chvala for his past conduct” and that he has “learned from the events of the past few years” is non-discernible as Chvala reportedly “had been working as a Realtor, under restrictions imposed by the state Department of Regulation and Licensing. One of those restrictions was that his work as a Realtor be supervised by a broker, who records show to be his daughter.”
Everybody else is chucked.
Democrats Al and Sue cater to homeless vote, GOP AG J.B. Van Hollen on the threshold of filing lawsuit
Naked intruder accused of trespassing, damaging property of Wisconsin governor's top aide
Associated Press
Sept. 18, 2008
MADISON — A Madison man found naked lying on a couch at the home of Gov. Jim Doyle's top aide has been charged with trespassing and damaging property.
A criminal complaint filed in Dane County Wednesday says Andrew Martin was found in the basement of the lakeside home of Doyle's chief of staff Susan Goodwin and University of Wisconsin-Madison associate chancellor Alan Fish.
The complaint says the couple's son, Nicholas Fish, arrived home Aug. 27 and found the man on a couch in the basement. The home was in disarray.
Authorities say Martin gained entry to the home by breaking a window in the front door. He claimed to know someone in the home, but family members say they've never met him.
Naked intruder accused of trespassing, damaging property of Wisconsin governor's top aide
Associated Press
Sept. 18, 2008
MADISON — A Madison man found naked lying on a couch at the home of Gov. Jim Doyle's top aide has been charged with trespassing and damaging property.
A criminal complaint filed in Dane County Wednesday says Andrew Martin was found in the basement of the lakeside home of Doyle's chief of staff Susan Goodwin and University of Wisconsin-Madison associate chancellor Alan Fish.
The complaint says the couple's son, Nicholas Fish, arrived home Aug. 27 and found the man on a couch in the basement. The home was in disarray.
Authorities say Martin gained entry to the home by breaking a window in the front door. He claimed to know someone in the home, but family members say they've never met him.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Here Come Da Judge
Wisconsin Attorney General Peg 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 National Rifle Association lobbyist Darren La Sorte and other NRA supporters including, in all probability, Wausau attorney Buster Bachhuber.
But the former AG reportedly “lost her legal claim that legislators must disclose whom they worked with on a vetoed bill that would have legalized the carrying of concealed weapons in Wisconsin.”
It’s lame and wrong headed for politicians – one a gun shop owner, the other a gun nut – to draft hidden gun legislation on state time, using state resources and then duck full disclosure.
Court of Appeals Judge Joan Kessler erred in her duty to protect against behind-the-scenes lawmaking.
After drafting the concealed carry bill and lobbying nonstop in the state Capitol and nearby taverns, La Sorte hightailed back to Fairfax, Va., when the bill failed. The NRA has no vested interest in the state of Wisconsin other than fulfilling the NRA’s manifesto to arm nearly every citizen in America’s Dairyland and the U.S. with hidden guns.
La Sorte was unceremoniously demoted to manager of hunting policy after the last round of concealed carry debate. Austin Jordan is the new state liaison for the National Rifle Association of America. And any issues having to do with the right to keep and bear arms contact Randy Kozuch, director of state and local affairs for the NRA.
Wisconsin and Illinois ban concealed weapons for common sense and civilized reasons.
Whatever happened after Kessler's ex-partners at Foley & Lardner urged the state Supreme Court to quash a state investigation of the then new judge in 2004? Madison lawyer Bruce Rosen was conducting the probe for the state Office of Lawyer Regulation.
Somebody had charged that then-corporate lawyer Kessler violated ethics laws for attorneys during her campaign to unseat state Appellate Judge Charles Schudson from the bench.
An earlier ruling of Dane County Judge David Flanagan allowing lawmakers to keep drafts of legislation confidential is also a disservice to open government.
Ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution
Why do the nondisclosure fanatics always interpret the Second Amendment in their favor while conveniently ignoring the other protections and freedoms the Constitution guarantees?
Wisconsin Attorney General Peg 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 National Rifle Association lobbyist Darren La Sorte and other NRA supporters including, in all probability, Wausau attorney Buster Bachhuber.
But the former AG reportedly “lost her legal claim that legislators must disclose whom they worked with on a vetoed bill that would have legalized the carrying of concealed weapons in Wisconsin.”
It’s lame and wrong headed for politicians – one a gun shop owner, the other a gun nut – to draft hidden gun legislation on state time, using state resources and then duck full disclosure.
Court of Appeals Judge Joan Kessler erred in her duty to protect against behind-the-scenes lawmaking.
After drafting the concealed carry bill and lobbying nonstop in the state Capitol and nearby taverns, La Sorte hightailed back to Fairfax, Va., when the bill failed. The NRA has no vested interest in the state of Wisconsin other than fulfilling the NRA’s manifesto to arm nearly every citizen in America’s Dairyland and the U.S. with hidden guns.
La Sorte was unceremoniously demoted to manager of hunting policy after the last round of concealed carry debate. Austin Jordan is the new state liaison for the National Rifle Association of America. And any issues having to do with the right to keep and bear arms contact Randy Kozuch, director of state and local affairs for the NRA.
Wisconsin and Illinois ban concealed weapons for common sense and civilized reasons.
Whatever happened after Kessler's ex-partners at Foley & Lardner urged the state Supreme Court to quash a state investigation of the then new judge in 2004? Madison lawyer Bruce Rosen was conducting the probe for the state Office of Lawyer Regulation.
Somebody had charged that then-corporate lawyer Kessler violated ethics laws for attorneys during her campaign to unseat state Appellate Judge Charles Schudson from the bench.
An earlier ruling of Dane County Judge David Flanagan allowing lawmakers to keep drafts of legislation confidential is also a disservice to open government.
Ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution
Why do the nondisclosure fanatics always interpret the Second Amendment in their favor while conveniently ignoring the other protections and freedoms the Constitution guarantees?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Judge approves plan to spend $18 million on First Place
The Business Journal of Milwaukee
With a judge approving a plan to spend $18.2 million to complete the financially troubled First Place on the River condo project, Mandel Group Inc. is preparing to begin marketing units this fall at reduced prices.
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Michael Dwyer on Sept. 5 approved court-appointed receiver Michael Polsky’s plan to complete the 12-story condo project that borders the 3rd Ward at the confluence of the Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers. The cash, from condo sales proceeds, will cover finishing condo units, installing a marina and boat slips, marketing and real estate tax.
Polsky hopes to complete the project this year. More than 30 units have been sold, and many are occupied. His plan also included retaining Mandel Group, a Milwaukee real estate development and management firm, to run and market the property.
Polsky’s plan is designed to pay a consortium of banks led by AnchorBank of Madison 75 percent of the $56 million in principal and interest they provided for the 152-unit project.
First Place, 106 W. Seeboth St., went into receivership Jan. 31 after developer Scott Fergus of Key Bridge Group Inc. ran into financial trouble when the housing market slumped, the project encountered cost overruns and litigation ensued with original contractor Hunzinger Construction Co., Brookfield.
Mandel has adjusted the prices on the condos to a range of “the low $200s” for the smallest units to more than $1 million for the most luxurious units, said Mandel chief operating officer Bob Monnat. He declined to give a percentage on the price changes, but said most “came down a bit” and a few increased from previous levels.
“The price points will be adjusted to reflect the true market value of the units,” he said. “We have something for all segments of the market, from entry level to luxury.”
Mandel has retained Garrison Partners of Chicago, which specializes in marketing urban condos, and will re-launch the marketing of the building in the next few weeks, Monnat said.
The marketing will emphasize the “phenomenal view of the river,” he said.
In a related development, Milwaukee officials determined that even when it is completely built out, First Place will be worth significantly less than their expectations two years ago.
With units selling at reduced prices, the city assessor’s office now expects the development to be worth $41 million upon completion, 18 percent less than the initial $50 million estimate. Assessment commissioner Mary Reavey said the reduced sale prices forced her office to cut the estimated build-out value.
City officials are taking steps to ensure that a tax incremental financing district for the area does not become insolvent and unable to pay for improvements.
The tax district, which was adopted in November 2006, encompasses five properties, including First Place. The eventual build-out value of the other properties increased since the district was created, but not enough to offset the decrease in the value of First Place.
The assessor’s office estimated the condo project’s current value at $24.2 million.
The district was established to pay for $4 million in public improvements.
The Business Journal of Milwaukee
With a judge approving a plan to spend $18.2 million to complete the financially troubled First Place on the River condo project, Mandel Group Inc. is preparing to begin marketing units this fall at reduced prices.
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Michael Dwyer on Sept. 5 approved court-appointed receiver Michael Polsky’s plan to complete the 12-story condo project that borders the 3rd Ward at the confluence of the Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers. The cash, from condo sales proceeds, will cover finishing condo units, installing a marina and boat slips, marketing and real estate tax.
Polsky hopes to complete the project this year. More than 30 units have been sold, and many are occupied. His plan also included retaining Mandel Group, a Milwaukee real estate development and management firm, to run and market the property.
Polsky’s plan is designed to pay a consortium of banks led by AnchorBank of Madison 75 percent of the $56 million in principal and interest they provided for the 152-unit project.
First Place, 106 W. Seeboth St., went into receivership Jan. 31 after developer Scott Fergus of Key Bridge Group Inc. ran into financial trouble when the housing market slumped, the project encountered cost overruns and litigation ensued with original contractor Hunzinger Construction Co., Brookfield.
Mandel has adjusted the prices on the condos to a range of “the low $200s” for the smallest units to more than $1 million for the most luxurious units, said Mandel chief operating officer Bob Monnat. He declined to give a percentage on the price changes, but said most “came down a bit” and a few increased from previous levels.
“The price points will be adjusted to reflect the true market value of the units,” he said. “We have something for all segments of the market, from entry level to luxury.”
Mandel has retained Garrison Partners of Chicago, which specializes in marketing urban condos, and will re-launch the marketing of the building in the next few weeks, Monnat said.
The marketing will emphasize the “phenomenal view of the river,” he said.
In a related development, Milwaukee officials determined that even when it is completely built out, First Place will be worth significantly less than their expectations two years ago.
With units selling at reduced prices, the city assessor’s office now expects the development to be worth $41 million upon completion, 18 percent less than the initial $50 million estimate. Assessment commissioner Mary Reavey said the reduced sale prices forced her office to cut the estimated build-out value.
City officials are taking steps to ensure that a tax incremental financing district for the area does not become insolvent and unable to pay for improvements.
The tax district, which was adopted in November 2006, encompasses five properties, including First Place. The eventual build-out value of the other properties increased since the district was created, but not enough to offset the decrease in the value of First Place.
The assessor’s office estimated the condo project’s current value at $24.2 million.
The district was established to pay for $4 million in public improvements.
Wisconsin congressional candidate accused of hitting son, 13
Associated Press
Sept. 16, 2008
BARABOO, Wis. — A Libertarian Party candidate for Congress is charged with disorderly conduct after being accused of hitting his 13-year-old son.
Kevin Barrett's wife has also petitioned for a restraining orders that would prevent Barrett from having contact with her, the 13-year-old and an 11-year-old son.
Court records say the morning after the Sept. 9 primary election, Barrett became upset with household noise because he was sleeping and struck the older boy on his back.
Barrett won the Libertarian primary and will challenge incumbent Ron Kind in the 3rd Congressional District. Barrett is a former University of Wisconsin-Madison lecturer who taught students the government was behind the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Barrett's campaign manager, Rolf Lindgren, says the incident was a "bizarre publicity stunt cooked up by Dr. Barrett's wife."
Candidate arrested; police say he violated restraining order
Wisconsin State Journal
Sept. 16, 2008
A Libertarian Party candidate for Congress was arrested in Madison Tuesday afternoon after police say he violated a Sauk County court order forbidding contact with his family.
Kevin Barrett, who was released from the Dane County Jail after posting $500 cash bail, was charged with disorderly conduct in Sauk County Circuit Court Friday after being accused of hitting his 13-year-old son at home on the morning of the Sept. 9 3rd District Libertarian primary, which he won.
His wife, Fatna Bellouchi, also obtained a temporary restraining order against Barrett.
A Madison police complaint said that Barrett on Saturday came too close to the residence to which his wife and two sons had moved in the 500 block of South Randall Street.
According to Sauk County court records, Barrett was sleeping on the morning of the Sept. 9 primary and became upset with household noise, striking his older son on his back.
Barrett grabbed national headlines in 2006 when he taught an elective class at UW-Madison about Islamic culture and religion that included discussion of his theory that the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were a government conspiracy.
Associated Press
Sept. 16, 2008
BARABOO, Wis. — A Libertarian Party candidate for Congress is charged with disorderly conduct after being accused of hitting his 13-year-old son.
Kevin Barrett's wife has also petitioned for a restraining orders that would prevent Barrett from having contact with her, the 13-year-old and an 11-year-old son.
Court records say the morning after the Sept. 9 primary election, Barrett became upset with household noise because he was sleeping and struck the older boy on his back.
Barrett won the Libertarian primary and will challenge incumbent Ron Kind in the 3rd Congressional District. Barrett is a former University of Wisconsin-Madison lecturer who taught students the government was behind the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Barrett's campaign manager, Rolf Lindgren, says the incident was a "bizarre publicity stunt cooked up by Dr. Barrett's wife."
Candidate arrested; police say he violated restraining order
Wisconsin State Journal
Sept. 16, 2008
A Libertarian Party candidate for Congress was arrested in Madison Tuesday afternoon after police say he violated a Sauk County court order forbidding contact with his family.
Kevin Barrett, who was released from the Dane County Jail after posting $500 cash bail, was charged with disorderly conduct in Sauk County Circuit Court Friday after being accused of hitting his 13-year-old son at home on the morning of the Sept. 9 3rd District Libertarian primary, which he won.
His wife, Fatna Bellouchi, also obtained a temporary restraining order against Barrett.
A Madison police complaint said that Barrett on Saturday came too close to the residence to which his wife and two sons had moved in the 500 block of South Randall Street.
According to Sauk County court records, Barrett was sleeping on the morning of the Sept. 9 primary and became upset with household noise, striking his older son on his back.
Barrett grabbed national headlines in 2006 when he taught an elective class at UW-Madison about Islamic culture and religion that included discussion of his theory that the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were a government conspiracy.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Former Tommy Thompson counsel and bond trader Nick Hurtgen trial Nov. 3 in Chicago on extortion charges.
Kane should have enabled voters to know this before the primary election. Young infuriates Republicans when they ask him about an issue on the floor, and Leon invariably replies, “I have to think about that.” By then, a roll call on the vote has already been taken.
Rep. Leon Young hasn’t taken visible stance on many issues
By Eugene Kane
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Sept. 10, 2008
State Rep. Leon Young (D-Milwaukee) had one of the most unusual political debuts imaginable.
In 1992, his aunt — the late Marcia P. Coggs — anointed him as her political successor. She waited until just hours before deadline to announce her retirement, ensuring Young could file his nomination papers before any challengers could arise.
It was a dubious “bait-and-switch” that threatened to soil the legendary Coggs’ reputation for fair play, but voters didn’t hold it against her.
Young was elected to his aunt’s seat and has been re-elected ever since.
Other politicians still grumble about the way Young got into office. Political families have always been an accepted norm in Milwaukee’s black community. But I remember thinking this Leon Young guy needed to have a pretty impressive political career to justify the slick way he entered public service.
Frankly, he’s fallen way short.
Serving some of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Milwaukee, Young for many hasn’t measured up to the legacy of his aunt, who was small in stature but a giant in terms of prominence in the black community. Some constituents consider him “an invisible man,” which usually isn’t a good thing for a politician.
But in black Milwaukee, many politicians are re-elected time and time again on little more than the strength of their family name. This might account for Young’s impressive string of victories as incumbent in the 16th Assembly District.
This week, he defeated three challengers in the primary and currently faces no challenger in November. Along with Democratic Rep. Annette Polly Williams, Young, 41, is one of the most veteran black politicians in Madison. Williams, 71, is widely regarded as an effective legislator who keeps in touch with her constituents and often speaks out on the issues.
For most of his 16 years in office, Young hasn’t taken a high-profile stance on issues like education, crime, the economy, whatever — take your pick. I can’t think of another politician with less visibility on the things that matter than Young.
Understandably, Young didn’t agree with my assessment.
“I’ve been as active as anyone else,” he said. “I try to always focus on working on behalf of the people in my district. I guess it’s hard to respond to that question.”
Young insisted voters in his district appreciated his efforts on their behalf, which accounted for his victory, even with an abysmal turnout by primary voters. Young cited a few legislative achievements but insisted the Republican majority in the Assembly prevented him and other Democrats from meeting most of their goals.
“I’m excited the Democrats might take control (in November), and we can get more things passed,” he said.
Young has received more attention for issues with former girlfriends and his personal finances than for his legislative duties in the past few years. He conceded he could do a better job publicizing his political achievements. Then again, if voters keep re-electing him to office, why bother?
As we finished the interview, he told me: “I just hope this is going to be something positive.”
Lots of people were hoping the same thing from Young’s career. I guess we’ll all have to be disappointed for now.
Senator strips portfolio of X-rated stock
By Dan Bice
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Aug. 18, 2008
For a politically safe incumbent in an election year, state Sen. Rob Cowles was not in good spirits Monday.
“I’ve had better days,” said the Green Bay Republican.
Being caught holding a boatload of X-rated stock can do that for a guy.
Cowles was calling to say his San Diego-based broker had sold all of the senator’s shares of Rick’s Cabaret International and VCG Holding, two publicly traded companies that run upscale strip clubs around the country.
Rick’s Cabaret also holds an annual Gentleman’s Club Owners Expo and publishes several magazines, including TEEZE and Exotic Dancer. The Web sites run by the company include names such as “coupletouch,” a site for swingers; “naughtybids,” an online auction site for pornographic items and services; and “xxxpassword,” which gives subscribers entry to unlimited porn sites for $39.95 a month.
No Quarter disclosed Monday that Cowles had invested more than $50,000 in the two firms, according to his latest ethics filing. He has held VCG Holding stock for at least two years.
Under state rules, public officials have to say only whether they own more or less than $50,000 in a company.
“I’m not happy with this,” Cowles said Monday. “It’s embarrassing.”
The veteran lawmaker was first contacted Thursday about his less-than-wholesome holdings. Cowles said his investments were overseen by his financial adviser, Gary Tremble, but the legislator made it clear that he knew the two companies owned strip clubs. He seemed genuinely surprised, however, about the Web sites and magazines operated by Rick’s Cabaret.
Cowles said he would direct Tremble to purge all the pornography from his portfolio right away.
Reached late Friday, Tremble was combative, saying he had not talked to his client. Tremble defended his decision to put money into the risqué businesses, the only ones of their kind traded on Nasdaq. He said he had sold off some of Cowles’ shares earlier in the summer but expected the generally lackluster stocks to spring back to life soon.
Both companies — VCG Holding is based in Lakewood, Colo., and Rick’s Cabaret is in Houston — are down significantly from their 52-week highs.
Cowles said Monday that he had had trouble getting through to Tremble in recent days. Once the senator reached him Monday morning, Cowles ordered his broker to sell — but not before dressing him down for trying to make a few grand off gals in G-strings.
“I’m very upset with my guy in California,” Cowles said. “I hope this chapter is done, and we can get back to good stuff.”
That left just one final question:
Did the statehouse veteran — best known as a fiscal conservative — make any money off the stock sale?
“I don’t know,” Cowles said
One of the wealthier members of the state Senate, Cowles elaborated.
“I doubt it. My experience overall has been bad with these (investments).”
To put it mildly.
Kane should have enabled voters to know this before the primary election. Young infuriates Republicans when they ask him about an issue on the floor, and Leon invariably replies, “I have to think about that.” By then, a roll call on the vote has already been taken.
Rep. Leon Young hasn’t taken visible stance on many issues
By Eugene Kane
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Sept. 10, 2008
State Rep. Leon Young (D-Milwaukee) had one of the most unusual political debuts imaginable.
In 1992, his aunt — the late Marcia P. Coggs — anointed him as her political successor. She waited until just hours before deadline to announce her retirement, ensuring Young could file his nomination papers before any challengers could arise.
It was a dubious “bait-and-switch” that threatened to soil the legendary Coggs’ reputation for fair play, but voters didn’t hold it against her.
Young was elected to his aunt’s seat and has been re-elected ever since.
Other politicians still grumble about the way Young got into office. Political families have always been an accepted norm in Milwaukee’s black community. But I remember thinking this Leon Young guy needed to have a pretty impressive political career to justify the slick way he entered public service.
Frankly, he’s fallen way short.
Serving some of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Milwaukee, Young for many hasn’t measured up to the legacy of his aunt, who was small in stature but a giant in terms of prominence in the black community. Some constituents consider him “an invisible man,” which usually isn’t a good thing for a politician.
But in black Milwaukee, many politicians are re-elected time and time again on little more than the strength of their family name. This might account for Young’s impressive string of victories as incumbent in the 16th Assembly District.
This week, he defeated three challengers in the primary and currently faces no challenger in November. Along with Democratic Rep. Annette Polly Williams, Young, 41, is one of the most veteran black politicians in Madison. Williams, 71, is widely regarded as an effective legislator who keeps in touch with her constituents and often speaks out on the issues.
For most of his 16 years in office, Young hasn’t taken a high-profile stance on issues like education, crime, the economy, whatever — take your pick. I can’t think of another politician with less visibility on the things that matter than Young.
Understandably, Young didn’t agree with my assessment.
“I’ve been as active as anyone else,” he said. “I try to always focus on working on behalf of the people in my district. I guess it’s hard to respond to that question.”
Young insisted voters in his district appreciated his efforts on their behalf, which accounted for his victory, even with an abysmal turnout by primary voters. Young cited a few legislative achievements but insisted the Republican majority in the Assembly prevented him and other Democrats from meeting most of their goals.
“I’m excited the Democrats might take control (in November), and we can get more things passed,” he said.
Young has received more attention for issues with former girlfriends and his personal finances than for his legislative duties in the past few years. He conceded he could do a better job publicizing his political achievements. Then again, if voters keep re-electing him to office, why bother?
As we finished the interview, he told me: “I just hope this is going to be something positive.”
Lots of people were hoping the same thing from Young’s career. I guess we’ll all have to be disappointed for now.
Senator strips portfolio of X-rated stock
By Dan Bice
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Aug. 18, 2008
For a politically safe incumbent in an election year, state Sen. Rob Cowles was not in good spirits Monday.
“I’ve had better days,” said the Green Bay Republican.
Being caught holding a boatload of X-rated stock can do that for a guy.
Cowles was calling to say his San Diego-based broker had sold all of the senator’s shares of Rick’s Cabaret International and VCG Holding, two publicly traded companies that run upscale strip clubs around the country.
Rick’s Cabaret also holds an annual Gentleman’s Club Owners Expo and publishes several magazines, including TEEZE and Exotic Dancer. The Web sites run by the company include names such as “coupletouch,” a site for swingers; “naughtybids,” an online auction site for pornographic items and services; and “xxxpassword,” which gives subscribers entry to unlimited porn sites for $39.95 a month.
No Quarter disclosed Monday that Cowles had invested more than $50,000 in the two firms, according to his latest ethics filing. He has held VCG Holding stock for at least two years.
Under state rules, public officials have to say only whether they own more or less than $50,000 in a company.
“I’m not happy with this,” Cowles said Monday. “It’s embarrassing.”
The veteran lawmaker was first contacted Thursday about his less-than-wholesome holdings. Cowles said his investments were overseen by his financial adviser, Gary Tremble, but the legislator made it clear that he knew the two companies owned strip clubs. He seemed genuinely surprised, however, about the Web sites and magazines operated by Rick’s Cabaret.
Cowles said he would direct Tremble to purge all the pornography from his portfolio right away.
Reached late Friday, Tremble was combative, saying he had not talked to his client. Tremble defended his decision to put money into the risqué businesses, the only ones of their kind traded on Nasdaq. He said he had sold off some of Cowles’ shares earlier in the summer but expected the generally lackluster stocks to spring back to life soon.
Both companies — VCG Holding is based in Lakewood, Colo., and Rick’s Cabaret is in Houston — are down significantly from their 52-week highs.
Cowles said Monday that he had had trouble getting through to Tremble in recent days. Once the senator reached him Monday morning, Cowles ordered his broker to sell — but not before dressing him down for trying to make a few grand off gals in G-strings.
“I’m very upset with my guy in California,” Cowles said. “I hope this chapter is done, and we can get back to good stuff.”
That left just one final question:
Did the statehouse veteran — best known as a fiscal conservative — make any money off the stock sale?
“I don’t know,” Cowles said
One of the wealthier members of the state Senate, Cowles elaborated.
“I doubt it. My experience overall has been bad with these (investments).”
To put it mildly.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
State v. Who is this guy again and what’s he accused of?
If SRJ is ever retried, it’s a cinch that almost no one will remember what the case was about from the very beginning.
Things have changed significantly as the main players have moved on or ensconced themselves in new jobs in Wisconsin politics.
Brian Blanchard will likely be a U.S. attorney by the time Louis Butler has joined the federal judiciary. Or both may be doing something completely different politically.
Was it Diet Pepsi in the forenoon and Diet Coke in the afternoon or the other way around?
Who recalls the trivial details of the so-called caucus scandal?
Who Cares?
Will Lyndee Wall, former executive assistant to the Assembly Republican Caucus, be eager to tell her story again? Dredging up minutia from the first trial: The one in which the judge famously gave the jury bum instructions that resulted in a retrial.
Will the former caucus director, Jason Kratochwill, who reported to the Assembly Speaker then, take time off from selling homes to testify?
Remember Kratochwill? Probably, many don’t.
Will lobbyist Mickey Foti stop hustling clients from Tom Hanson long enough to take the witness stand?
What about the graphic artists working in the state capital who always thought the charges were a big joke?
Will Tom Loftus’s – The art of legislative politics – the “learned treatise” on the caucus scandal be admissible in court?
Unlike last time when the book and three-ring binders of sensationalized headlines from the media circus, were not.
If you know the circumstances of the case and exculpatory evidence without Googling, you’re probably Mike Vaughn or Jim Hough.
Of course, Dee Hall of the Wisconsin State Journal will likely rehash the topic to reacquaint people with a case that has dragged on and on for roughly eight years now.
What’s going to happen in squeaky clean Wisconsin politics where the leadership in both houses routinely have eight or nine high-paid staffers doing “constituent work.” Nothing much has changed there.
Never the C word: Campaigning on state time, using state resources. A myth anyway that only a prosecutor coveting a higher office would ever pursue.
Drop the charges. Dismiss the case. The arresting officer has left town.
If SRJ is ever retried, it’s a cinch that almost no one will remember what the case was about from the very beginning.
Things have changed significantly as the main players have moved on or ensconced themselves in new jobs in Wisconsin politics.
Brian Blanchard will likely be a U.S. attorney by the time Louis Butler has joined the federal judiciary. Or both may be doing something completely different politically.
Was it Diet Pepsi in the forenoon and Diet Coke in the afternoon or the other way around?
Who recalls the trivial details of the so-called caucus scandal?
Who Cares?
Will Lyndee Wall, former executive assistant to the Assembly Republican Caucus, be eager to tell her story again? Dredging up minutia from the first trial: The one in which the judge famously gave the jury bum instructions that resulted in a retrial.
Will the former caucus director, Jason Kratochwill, who reported to the Assembly Speaker then, take time off from selling homes to testify?
Remember Kratochwill? Probably, many don’t.
Will lobbyist Mickey Foti stop hustling clients from Tom Hanson long enough to take the witness stand?
What about the graphic artists working in the state capital who always thought the charges were a big joke?
Will Tom Loftus’s – The art of legislative politics – the “learned treatise” on the caucus scandal be admissible in court?
Unlike last time when the book and three-ring binders of sensationalized headlines from the media circus, were not.
If you know the circumstances of the case and exculpatory evidence without Googling, you’re probably Mike Vaughn or Jim Hough.
Of course, Dee Hall of the Wisconsin State Journal will likely rehash the topic to reacquaint people with a case that has dragged on and on for roughly eight years now.
What’s going to happen in squeaky clean Wisconsin politics where the leadership in both houses routinely have eight or nine high-paid staffers doing “constituent work.” Nothing much has changed there.
Never the C word: Campaigning on state time, using state resources. A myth anyway that only a prosecutor coveting a higher office would ever pursue.
Drop the charges. Dismiss the case. The arresting officer has left town.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Check out http://www.whitehouse.org/
$88 a Day
A huge downside to Kelda Helen Roys, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, winning a crowded Democratic primary for the 81st Assembly District to replace retiring Rep. David Travis, D-Waunakee, who has held the seat since 1978, is the constituents in the district won’t be represented by an amateur golfer anymore.
$88 a Day
A huge downside to Kelda Helen Roys, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, winning a crowded Democratic primary for the 81st Assembly District to replace retiring Rep. David Travis, D-Waunakee, who has held the seat since 1978, is the constituents in the district won’t be represented by an amateur golfer anymore.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Nick Hurtgen trial Nov. 3 in Chicago on extortion charges
Republicans Finally Wake Up To Woods Insurrection
It was just a matter of time before the Republicans in Chippewa County realized that they don’t have a candidate in the 67th Assembly District. So, Don Moga, of Jim Falls, will be a write-in campaign in today's primary election.
With Moga on the Nov. 4 ballot, Republicans would have opposition to independent candidate Rep. Jeff Wood of Chippewa Falls, who fled the Republican Party earlier this year and filed nomination papers to run as an indie. No Dems on the ballot.
Republicans Finally Wake Up To Woods Insurrection
It was just a matter of time before the Republicans in Chippewa County realized that they don’t have a candidate in the 67th Assembly District. So, Don Moga, of Jim Falls, will be a write-in campaign in today's primary election.
With Moga on the Nov. 4 ballot, Republicans would have opposition to independent candidate Rep. Jeff Wood of Chippewa Falls, who fled the Republican Party earlier this year and filed nomination papers to run as an indie. No Dems on the ballot.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Nick Hurtgen trial Nov. 3 in Chicago on extortion charges
Is there a double standard in the state capital? Has Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard issued John Doe Subpoenas on hours worked on campaign speech?
Doyle’s convention speech may have violated state ethics code
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Sept. 3, 2008
Madison - Gov. Jim Doyle used a state aide to help write his speech before the Democratic National Convention in Denver, a move that may have violated the state's ethics code.
A lawyer for the board that oversees the ethics code said using a state aide to write a speech for a political convention could violate a law that bans using state resources for private gain.
“It’s not state business,” said Jonathan Becker, counsel for the Government Accountability Board. “So if I was having my staff write a speech to read at a political convention, that would be bothersome to me.”
He cautioned that such a speech might not violate the ethics code if it focused on state issues and policy matters rather than partisan attacks.
Becker would not say whether the board is investigating the matter.
Doyle aide Lee Sensenbrenner said he spent a couple of hours working on the speech. He said he and Doyle thought it was appropriate for Sensenbrenner, rather than a Doyle campaign worker, to do the work because Doyle was given a national stage to showcase Wisconsin.
“There are many occasions where he is representing and speaking for Wisconsin,” Sensenbrenner said. “This is part of his duties as governor. . . .
“This is him representing Wisconsin, advancing what he thinks is in the interest of people who live here.”
Doyle’s campaign paid for his travel to the convention.
In his brief Aug. 26 remarks, Doyle told delegates why he was supporting U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois for president.
He also discussed Wisconsin’s values and tradition of hard work and told voters they should reject Obama’s opponent, Arizona Sen. John McCain, as “four years of more of the same.”
Is there a double standard in the state capital? Has Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard issued John Doe Subpoenas on hours worked on campaign speech?
Doyle’s convention speech may have violated state ethics code
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Sept. 3, 2008
Madison - Gov. Jim Doyle used a state aide to help write his speech before the Democratic National Convention in Denver, a move that may have violated the state's ethics code.
A lawyer for the board that oversees the ethics code said using a state aide to write a speech for a political convention could violate a law that bans using state resources for private gain.
“It’s not state business,” said Jonathan Becker, counsel for the Government Accountability Board. “So if I was having my staff write a speech to read at a political convention, that would be bothersome to me.”
He cautioned that such a speech might not violate the ethics code if it focused on state issues and policy matters rather than partisan attacks.
Becker would not say whether the board is investigating the matter.
Doyle aide Lee Sensenbrenner said he spent a couple of hours working on the speech. He said he and Doyle thought it was appropriate for Sensenbrenner, rather than a Doyle campaign worker, to do the work because Doyle was given a national stage to showcase Wisconsin.
“There are many occasions where he is representing and speaking for Wisconsin,” Sensenbrenner said. “This is part of his duties as governor. . . .
“This is him representing Wisconsin, advancing what he thinks is in the interest of people who live here.”
Doyle’s campaign paid for his travel to the convention.
In his brief Aug. 26 remarks, Doyle told delegates why he was supporting U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois for president.
He also discussed Wisconsin’s values and tradition of hard work and told voters they should reject Obama’s opponent, Arizona Sen. John McCain, as “four years of more of the same.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
