Eye on Wisconsin

Key Questions for Scott Walker

2012-01-26T23:01:00.006-06:00

Over the last few weeks I've been openly asking questions related to recent developments in the John Doe investigation of Scott Walker aides. First were the questions related to the arrest of longtime Walker campaign/county aide Tim Russell. Next came the questions about open records and Walker staff involvement with the shill ScottforGov blog. Now more charges have been issued on more Walker

Underreported Victims of a Gun Happy Society

2012-01-23T09:44:00.000-06:00

When we have a collective debate on gun issues, sometimes we lose sight of the often underreported victims of careless gun policy. We often get bogged down in political grandstanding, legislative victories or false bravado and lose sight of important real world consequences. All-too-often the larger media follows us in that pattern and doesn't spend as much time on the many different victims of

ScottforGov Open Records and Timing

2012-01-18T20:07:00.006-06:00

Scott Walker's longtime campaign & county aide Tim Russell was arrested on January 5th and charged in Milwaukee County Court. Many people have speculated about this event and about the ongoing John Doe investigation. Just last week I asked a number of questions myself . However there was one particular thread that I didn't list at that time, so I'd like to submit it for consideration now.On

Badger Guns has new name, subject of a new study

2012-01-13T09:31:00.007-06:00

Badger Guns, the West Milwaukee gun shop, has a long and disturbing record of selling guns that are eventually used in crimes. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has done an excellent job of detailing many of those issues. Some of the sales from Badger Guns were even used to injure 6 Milwaukee police officers in recent years. The shop's license was revoked for breaking federal laws and it stopped

The Latest John Doe News and Things to Consider

2012-01-09T12:00:00.003-06:00

People all over the state have been talking about the latest John Doe news that broke last week. Many people are speculating about many different things but in the end there are only a handful of people that actually know what is really happening. I certainly don't claim to have any special insight into the status and direction of the John Doe but I do have my share of questions. I also think

Meet Judge J. Mac Davis

2011-12-29T18:22:00.006-06:00

As we all know, Scott Walker's campaign filed a frivolous lawsuit against the Government Accountability Board because they opted to actually follow the law. Apparently Scott Walker's campaign wanted them to do their work for them and at taxpayer's expense. So thanks to a new court shopping law passed by the radical majority in the state legislature, Walker's campaign filed suit against GAB in

War on (the) Christmas (spirit)

2011-12-22T13:16:00.005-06:00

Cartoon By: Clay Bennett via Cartoonist Group (ht: Center for American Progress)

(Reality) Check Yourself

2011-12-15T08:55:00.008-06:00

Prior to Wisconsin passing a free-for-all concealed carry law, proponents constantly used the same shtick. Whenever there was a report of a crime anywhere, they would make the inevitable and overly simplistic comment that it never would have happened if we had concealed carry in Wisconsin. I'm wondering what these same people will say when crimes continue to occur now that Wisconsin does allow

Is Walker History Repeating Itself at Dodge?

2011-12-09T10:57:00.004-06:00

The Fond du Lac Reporter is drawing attention to the alarming increase in prisoner attacks on guards at the Dodge Correctional Institute in Waupun. Union officials are saying that it is at least partially due to a combination of low morale, unfilled vacancies and an exodus of experienced staff. Marty Beil, executive director for AFSCME Council 24 offered the following observation:Working in a

Smear Machine Mission Accomplished

2011-12-05T08:33:00.005-06:00

Two weeks ago right wing front group Media Trackers made wild accusations against Senator Lena Taylor for which they provided no real evidence. Most informed observers instantly approached it with extreme caution. Unfortunately too many divisions of Journal Communications Inc apparently didn't see that clear fact and they ran with the story. To their credit, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is

Jacque following in some wacky footsteps

2011-12-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

The Bible Belt state of Mississippi rejected a radical personhood amendment recently. But that didn't stop a legislator from proposing something similar here. State Representative Andre Jacque (R-Bellevue) recently proposed a personhood amendment for Wisconsin. Once again a radical Republican wants to tinker with the state constitution to make it fully comply with his own rigid dogma. The

Paul Ryan Doesn't Represent You

2011-11-30T19:11:00.002-06:00

A reoccurring fraud on the media

2011-11-21T11:08:00.009-06:00

Almost without exception, when we approach a major election in Wisconsin, Republicans trot out phony accusations of fraud. They make over-the-top unsubstantiated claims and feed the lies to each other via elected officials, their radio propagandists, blogs and special interest front groups. So the proper question is never, "will they make these kinds of false accusations?" Instead the important

He's not working for us

2011-11-18T16:18:00.001-06:00

FDR: I welcome their hatred

2011-11-07T08:51:00.006-06:00

ht: Armando at Daily KosFrom an FDR 1936 campaign speech in Madison Square Garden:"For nearly four years you have had an Administration which instead of twirling its thumbs has rolled up its sleeves. We will keep our sleeves rolled up.We had to struggle with the old enemies of peace—business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, war

Are gun extremists ever satisfied?

2011-11-04T08:44:00.011-05:00

The one thing that we have learned this year is that nothing ever seems to be good enough for the truly gun obsessed. They are apparently never happy and always seek the most extreme "solutions" to problems that often don't actually exist. Just when you think that they have achieved what they want, they just keep pushing for the furthest fringe. Exactly how far do they want to go with fully

I've got Ryan's class war right here, Part 2

2011-11-03T21:27:00.006-05:00

The following graphic comes from Citizens for Tax Justice. It identifies 30 large corporations bringing in large profits but paying no total income tax in 2008-2010.When I see this kind of thing I often wonder: How is it that these massive corporations paid less over several years than a guy flipping burgers did in one paycheck? I also wonder exactly why I'm supposed to feel sorry for these big

This is what a jobs bill looks like

2011-11-03T10:52:00.005-05:00

This is really very remarkable isn't it? Walker calls for another special session of the legislature to focus on jobs legislation. Then his rubber stamps in that body proceed to address every crack pot right wing piece of pet legislation that they can imagine. With this crowd that is to be expected but one may have also expected at least one actual jobs bill during this alleged special session

Fatally Out-of-Touch on Health Care

2011-11-01T21:58:00.007-05:00

Scott Walker has had the luxury of receiving taxpayer funded health care for a very long time. Like so many other "anti-government" Republicans, other than a very short period, Walker has lived off taxpayers for his entire adult life. Because of the generous benefits provided by Wisconsin taxpayers, Walker and his family never had to seriously worry about health insurance and medical care costs.

Where are Wisconsin's concealed carry loopholes?

2011-10-27T10:18:00.008-05:00

On November 1st Wisconsin's new concealed carry law will go into effect. I am wondering how many loopholes we will later find in that law? How many will public officials unfortunately notice only after problems arise? Will they get past their Dirty Harry complex long enough to correct mistakes? There are at least a few areas where we should probably be looking for loopholes after November

I've Got Ryan's Class War Right Here

2011-10-26T21:44:00.005-05:00

From the new CBO Report (pdf)....Think Progress continues to take Ryan's rhetoric apart HERE

Bad Actors, Lax Gun Laws and Loopholes

2011-10-19T12:16:00.004-05:00

We are unfortunately well aware of the lobbying efforts of groups like the National Rifle Association. They have a clear history of lobbying for some of the most extreme policies related to guns. Part of their legislative agenda includes a free pass repeatedly given to even the most problematic gun dealers. There probably isn’t a better local example of this than Badger Guns located in

Wisconsin Can't Wait

2011-10-17T13:44:00.000-05:00

Avoid Uninformed Knee-Jerk Decisions

2011-10-12T08:04:00.007-05:00

On Sunday the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ran a story about the venture capital legislation that was passed in Wisconsin in 1999. The story focuses on the one company that appeared to game the system and exploit the loopholes left by legislators and a governor that didn’t fully understand how to implement a venture capital (VC)program. In fact some of the same legislators involved in 1999

NRA Lobbying for the Extreme

2011-10-07T09:01:00.007-05:00

Finally after many years of Wisconsin rejecting their radical agenda, groups like the National Rifle Association finally got what they've wanted in Wisconsin. The new concealed carry law will go into effect on November 1st. But as is typical for people operating from such extremes, the new law apparently doesn't go far enough for the NRA. Earlier this week we learned that the NRA is now

Is this what you signed up for?

2011-09-28T18:29:00.004-05:00

Wisconsin has a proud hunting tradition that is embedded in the DNA of our state. So it shouldn't be a surprise that we also have hunters and others that have memberships in various groups that are supposed to focus on their issues. However, I have to wonder if the majority of Wisconsin hunters ever meant to sign up for some of the extremist rhetoric that has been coming out of the National

Scott Walker's "High Ethical Standards"

2011-09-27T15:28:00.008-05:00

Recently Scott Walker was pressed on what exactly he knows about the John Doe investigation that seems to be engulfing his campaign, current and former staff and at least one contributor. In a blog item Dan Bice describes Walker's response as his "firmest defense yet of what he described as his high ethical standards." Let's take a walk down memory lane shall we?I wonder if those "high ethical

What’s with the “Fund of Funds” Fast Track?

2011-09-26T13:38:00.008-05:00

When the original venture capital legislation was introduced, opponents of it repeatedly called for the legislature to slow down and more deliberately evaluate the various options. That is certainly a notion that I agreed with because this is an important issue and regardless of the exact approach we must proceed in a thoughtful manner. But now that the focus of many has changed entirely to a “

Walker & Cronies Live Large, Workers Get Shaft

2011-09-24T14:20:00.011-05:00

Yesterday Representatives Mark Pocan, Brett Hulsey, Terese Berceau and Chris Taylor wrote a guest blog posting on Blogging Blue. In it they go into some detail about how Scott Walker has given irresponsible and unjustified raises to his political cronies. This while he is calling for "shared sacrifice" from front line and more modestly paid state employees.I highly recommend the item as

This is becoming an unfortunate pattern

2011-09-23T12:38:00.005-05:00

Believe it or not, I very desperately want to believe that the audiences at the last few Republican presidential debates do not represent the majority of their party. Even in the face of the wild accusations during the health care reform debate and even after reading all of those horribly offensive tea party signs, I still want to believe that the majority of Republicans are not this nasty and

House Bill Targets Local (Gun) Control

2011-09-22T10:24:00.008-05:00

Conventional wisdom tells us that conservative policymakers greatly value the idea of "local control". However we increasingly see elected officials proclaiming allegiance to that philosophy while only choosing to actually practice it when it is politically convenient. The latest example of this can be seen in a bill currently making its way through the U.S. House of Representatives. The

Walker's Blurred Lines

2011-09-21T09:36:00.009-05:00

We have heard a lot recently about the John Doe investigation that is being conducted in Milwaukee County. Apparently it involves Scott Walker's campaign and former Milwaukee County staffers including some that he brought with him to Madison. We've seen a lot of speculation on this subject over the last year. But that speculation has intensified after top Walker aid, Cynthia Archer, got a visit

More Disclosure Please

2011-09-16T10:20:00.001-05:00

There is no doubt that Wisconsin must increase the share of venture capital dollars that it attracts. Elected officials of both parties, business leaders and activists of all kinds have known that for decades. I am not overly dogmatic about the exact method that we choose to accomplish that goal as long as it is done in a thoughtful manner that gives our state the best chance for long term

Vigilantism on the Agenda

2011-09-13T12:14:00.003-05:00

It is already mid-September and we have not seen a single jobs bill passed in the Wisconsin Legislature. Yet they rushed through irresponsible legislation enabling the concealed carrying of guns. In the legislature’s rush to arm the public they shot down most common sense amendments that sought to at least provide sensible limits. Now people can conceal and carry their firearms in places like

Open Letter to National Conservative Groups

2011-09-08T18:05:00.012-05:00

To: Chris Chocola, Club for GrowthThe Honorable Jim DeMint, junior Senator from the Great State of South CarolinaIt is with great disappointment that we have learned of the efforts of some conservatives on the national level to try to dictate to Wisconsin conservatives their choice for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Senator Herb Kohl. This is a tremendous opportunity

Right Wing Radio on Tommy Thompson

2011-09-07T12:51:00.001-05:00

Walker trying to finish the job on Milwaukee County transit?

2011-09-05T09:27:00.006-05:00

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported today on the desperate state of the Milwaukee County Transit system. We've seen this kind of report nearly every year over the last 5-8 years. Each year the problems have become progressively worse. However there is no mystery as to what brought us to this situation. Milwaukee County's transit wounds were largely self inflicted by the political

Don't Venture into Oklahoma Territory

2011-08-30T10:16:00.007-05:00

There is no doubt that Wisconsin must increase its share of venture capital dollars. The big question is exactly how we will accomplish that goal. Recently the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel put its unquestioning seal of approval on what is known as a "Fund of Funds" approach. Curiously missing from their endorsement was any mention of how to best safeguard public investment if that is the approach

This should be fun...

2011-08-29T19:30:00.008-05:00

During the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, please let me know if you see any photos like this: Or...If you happen across any videos like this: UPDATE from One Wisconsin Now Thanks.

Keep Your Eye on Kanavas

2011-08-24T11:05:00.003-05:00

This fighting between the Tommy Thompson camp and Club for Growth/Mark Neumann is certainly entertaining from my perspective. So I would certainly like it to keep going for as long as possible. At the same time I suggest that we keep an eye on other legitimate candidates like former state Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield). I have to imagine that he benefits from an escalating war between the

Back by Popular Demand: Tommy and the Microchips

2011-08-22T15:27:00.005-05:00

I'm still wondering if this is a problem...One of many. UPDATE: Yep,and here comes the first right wing attack ad

Don't go for the Walker head fake

2011-08-21T08:19:00.010-05:00

Scott Walker is one of the least popular governors in the nation and he recently lost two of his rubber stamps in the state senate. In fact he could lose even more in the coming year. But most importantly, Scott Walker will face a recall next year and he knows it. So it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that the words "bipartisan" and "cooperation" are being overused by him so much lately.

Keep Your Perspective, Keep Your Focus

2011-08-17T08:22:00.006-05:00

Last week I read Wispolitics' Friday Report including its list of whose stock is allegedly rising and falling. Reading it you would have never known that Democrats had just taken two Republican seats in historic recall elections. Dems almost took others seats, even though they were in mostly Republican districts. Although those races were not won, there was a significant surge of votes for

Open Record Obstruction: What is Alberta Hiding?

2011-08-04T13:07:00.007-05:00

One Wisconsin Now was recently forced to file an open records lawsuit against state Senator Alberta Darling because she was stonewalling them on a request that they made to her office. They requested communications between her office and various elements of the private school industry. Only after they actually filed their lawsuit did Darling finally acknowledge their request and produce the

Out of touch Alberta Strikes Again

2011-08-01T19:59:00.009-05:00

Here she goes again. Alberta Darling once again showing that she is completely out of touch with most Wisconsinites. Last week she declared that a person making $250,000 a year is not rich. She is trying to perform some damage control now but the fact is that she said exactly what she meant. Darling has been unbelievably wealthy for a very long time and she has become completely detached from

Hopper's real union "dialogue" was with Cass

2011-07-31T09:24:00.012-05:00

Wispolitics cited the following quote from state Senator Randy Hopper in its Friday report to subscribers. Xoff picked up on it right away. After watching Hopper on Mike Gousha's UpFront program it appears that the quote came from that interview."When it came to having dialogue with leaders of the union they knew exactly where I stood because for the last two years I worked extremely hard to

Alberta Then and Alberta Now

2011-07-29T10:30:00.005-05:00

Alberta Then"Darling said she would be a better coalition-builder and admitted to wanting to help 'lost children' and 'unemployed populations'..." [Milwaukee Journal, 3/27/1990]Alberta NowAnd we all know that nothing helps "lost children" and "unemployed populations" quite like taking away their health care......cutting $800 million in funding for their education...raising tuition and putting

Politifact continues to rate as "barely tolerable"

2011-07-27T09:39:00.004-05:00

The "Politifact" experiment at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has been panned on almost a regular basis since it began. Most of the time their critiques are so random and arbitrary and the focus is so misplaced or at best scattered. The classic example of this that still stands out to me is when they didn't dispute a single FACT in a Tom Barrett ad last year, but they didn't like the

Hopper Coached Cass on Scoring State Job

2011-07-23T14:15:00.012-05:00

In March we learned that state Senator Randy Hopper (R-Unknown) left his wife and filed for divorce last year. According to his wife he had taken up with 20-something Republican operative Valerie Cass. It didn't take long for additional reports to surface showing that this girlfriend was hired by the Walker administration under questionable circumstances and at a questionable pay rate.Some have

Who is Randal Bertrand Hopper really working for?

2011-07-12T14:18:00.003-05:00

Harsdorf Hypocrisy: "Frankenstein Veto" Edition

2011-07-08T09:55:00.005-05:00

Even though former Republican Governor Tommy Thompson was the king of what is known as the "Frankenstein Veto" GOP legislators never really cared much about it until a Democrat became governor. Leading the sneering at Governor Doyle at the time was current state Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R-Walker's Pocket). [The Capital Times, “GOP has no veto credibility”, 8/10/07]