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Feb 14, 2007 Editorial: Doyle takes us forward Wisconsin's motto is "Forward." And, despite the wrongheaded efforts of conservative legislators to turn their petty bigotry into public policy, Gov. Jim Doyle has chosen to keep Wisconsin in step with forward-thinking states on the question of how to treat same-sex couples. more...
Jun 2, 2006 Green fouls out on curveball question It was a simple question, one that U.S. Rep. Mark Green should have been expecting. Obviously he wasn't - and now his opponent in the governor's race has an issue to throw at him. During a May 19 interview for Wisconsin Public Television's "Here and Now" news show, anchor Frederica Freyberg... more
Jun 2, 2006 A pardon for Scooter from Gov. Green? It seems like a pretty simple, straightforward question. Wisconsin Public Television's Frederica Freyberg asked Mark Green whether, if he were elected governor, he would pardon his old friend and cohort, Scott Jensen. Jensen, the former Assembly Speaker, was convicted of felonies for abusing... more
Jun 2, 2006 Gov. Doyle, Milwaukee Mayor Barrett: Announce State Action to Help Keep Milwaukee Safe this Summer MILWAUKEE - Governor Jim Doyle today announced action the state is taking to assist the City of Milwaukee in addressing the increased violence witnessed over the Memorial Day weekend. Joined by Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee Police Chief Nannette Hegerty, Governor Doyle directed $500,000 for the... more
Jun 2, 2006 Medicare needs an overhaul, Obey says U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau, is not a fan of the controversial Medicare Part D drug plan. He sympathizes with seniors who are having trouble choosing the plan that is best for them and he is frustrated the bill forbids the federal government from negotiating with the pharmaceutical companies... more
May 31, 2006 Minimum wage goes up Thursday MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin's minimum wage will go up 80 cents Thursday, closing the books on a nasty political struggle that gripped the state Capitol for months. The state's minimum wage for adults will jump from $5.70 an hour to $6.50. The state Department of Workforce estimates about 200,000... more
May 31, 2006 WisPolitics: Kind Says Troops Should Leave Iraq in Event of Civil War U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said Wednesday that if the situation in Iraq deteriorates into all-out civil war, U.S. troops would need to be pulled out. “I don’t think it’s our troops' mission to be there and babysit a civil war,” he added. Kind said the barrage of Iraq images and news stories... more
May 26, 2006 GOP search for Kohl opponent continues GOP search for Kohl opponent continues The Nov. 7 election is just over five months away, the date to start circulating nomination papers is next week (June 1) and the state Republican Party held its annual convention – a launching pad for the fall campaign – last weekend. That means it is... more
May 9, 2006 100,000 on board for state's SeniorCare Doyle urges more residents to apply to program for lower-cost prescriptions Madison - Enrollment in the state's SeniorCare program has jumped to more than 100,000, even with the rollout of the federal Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, and more people should consider applying to Wisconsin's plan, Gov. Jim Doyle said Monday. That uptick in participants... more
May 8, 2006 Bush approval rating hits new low WASHINGTON - President Bush's approval rating has slumped to 31% in a new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll, the lowest of his presidency and a warning sign for Republicans in the November elections. The survey of 1,013 adults, taken Friday through Sunday, shows Bush's standing down by 3 percentage points... more
May 2, 2006 Doyle urges cap on oil profits But critics say the industry is unfairly targeted Brookfield - Gov. Jim Doyle called on federal lawmakers Monday to cap oil company profits, return "excessive" profits to Americans and repeal $10 billion in tax breaks to oil companies, saying the moves would lower gas prices for struggling Wisconsin families. Doyle also announced a joint Web... more
May 2, 2006 WisPolitics: 8th CD Republicans Tackle Ethics, TPA in Low-Key Debate GREEN BAY -- A couple flinty remarks from the 8th Congressional District Republican candidates failed to spark a fiery debate between GOP state Reps. John Gard and Terri McCormick Monday night. McCormick took a series of subtle jabs at Gard, questioning his leadership in the state Legislature,... more
May 2, 2006 Why We Need A State Ethics Bill Last week, Assembly Republicans decided to kill the ethics bill. The decision was a blow to good government and may come back to haunt party stalwarts like Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Mark Green and Speaker John Gard. Gard and other Republicans pointed to the recent... more
May 1, 2006 Poll: Gas Prices, Iraq Weigh Down Bush May 1, 2006 (CBS) With gas prices sky-high and no end of the Iraq war in sight, President George W. Bush's approval rating hits an all-time low in a new CBS News poll. Only 33 percent approve of his job performance, Mr. Bush's lowest approval rating yet in CBS News polls. A majority – 58... more
Apr 27, 2006 Elected Officials Taking Action Against High Gas Prices Wisconsin Ag Connection Thursday, April 27, 2006 Fueled by higher and higher energy costs, Wisconsin's lawmakers are beginning to do what they can to find out what's going on with the skyrocketing gasoline prices. On Wednesday, Governor Jim Doyle joined fifteen other governors in sending a... more
Apr 27, 2006 Republicans Sag in New Poll Bush and Congress Get Perilously Low Marks As Gas Prices Rise Rising gas prices have intensified discontent with Washington and handed Congress a frightening midterm election backdrop: a deeply pessimistic electorate, despite a robust economy. A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll underscores a striking gap between Americans' mood and the nation's... more
Apr 26, 2006 Wineke Statement on ‘Part-Time Congressman Mark Green’ MADISON – Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Joe Wineke released the following statement today on the announcement from Mark Green that he will return his taxpayer-paid congressional salary for the days he plans to miss work in Washington in order to campaign in Wisconsin: “For years,... more
Apr 26, 2006 Green: Trust me on budget, I don't have a clue You won't be surprised to hear that Wisconsin still has a budget deficit. The good news is that it is "only" $1.5-billion, less than half of the $3.2 billion budget hole Gov. Jim Doyle inherited after 16 years of Republican budgets. The deficit dominated much of the debate in the 2002... more
Apr 26, 2006 8th CD Dems Debate Campaign Fundraising, Ethics GREEN BAY -- Allergist Steve Kagen, who has poured more than $1.4 million of his own money into the race for the Democratic nomination in the 8th CD, defended his large contributions Monday night in a debate, saying he was the one candidate who “can not be bought.” Kagen, making his first bid... more
Apr 26, 2006 Forum set May 3 for Congress candidates APPLETON — The public will get a chance to hear the Democratic candidates for Congress from 7 to 9 p.m. May 3 at the Appleton Public Library, 225 N. Oneida St. Appearing will be 8th District candidates Steve Kagen, Nancy Nusbaum and Jamie Wall, who are running for the seat currently held by... more
Apr 26, 2006 Block price gouging, state officials say Wisconsin Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager on Tuesday renewed her call on the state Legislature to adopt legislation to protect citizens from getting gouged at the gas pump. Lautenschlager supports Senate Bill 373, sponsored by state Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, which would protect... more
Apr 25, 2006 Campaign records muddy disclosure for Green’s travel MADISON — Travel records show that in the third quarter of 2003, U.S. Rep. Mark Green took seven road trips in and around Wisconsin to talk about issues he faces in Congress. But taxpayers didn’t pay for the travel, assures the Republican from Hobart. His campaign did. Among the trips was... more
Apr 25, 2006 Bush's approval ratings slide to new low. Poll: Only one-third say he's handling his job well WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush's approval ratings have sunk to a personal low, with only a third of Americans saying they approve of the way he is handling his job, a national poll released Monday said. In the telephone poll of 1,012 adult Americans carried out Friday through Sunday by... more
Apr 25, 2006 Cost of Gas Puts Pressure On GOP By Jeffrey H. Birnbaum and Steven Mufson Washington Post Staff Writers Tuesday, April 25, 2006; A01 President Bush and congressional Republicans are under mounting public pressure to reduce gasoline prices, but they have few if any policy choices that would cut them over the next few months... more
Apr 25, 2006 Doyle talks up interest in GM Overtime has begun in Janesville as demand grows for SUVs Janesville - General Motors' top manufacturing executive heard a pitch Monday from Gov. Jim Doyle and local plant and union leaders. At a meeting in Detroit, Doyle expressed thanks that the Janesville assembly plant, the struggling automaker's oldest factory, was spared when a round of plant... more
Apr 25, 2006 Feingold travels to Iowa this week WASHINGTON Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold says he'll travel to Iowa this week to give a speech and hold fund-raisers for Democratic congressional candidates. The move may have presidential implications. Iowa's caucus is the first contest for presidential candidates and Feingold is a potential... more
Apr 25, 2006 8th Congressional District Democratic debate is Tuesday at UW-Green Bay GREEN BAY - The first debate at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay involving candidates for the 8th Congressional District seat will take place Tuesday (April 25). Democratic congressional candidates Steve Kagen, Nancy Nusbaum and Jamie Wall will respond to questions from a panel of state... more
Apr 25, 2006 Waupun man to run against Rep. Petri WAUPUN — Touting himself as a "working-class congressman for the working class," Waupun resident John Curry has thrown his hat in the ring to run against incumbent Tom Petri in the race for the Sixth Congressional District this fall. Curry, 48, made the announcement earlier this month after... more
Apr 25, 2006 Doyle to launch stem cell initiative In an effort to reaffirm the state’s commitment to stem-cell research, Gov. Jim Doyle will be making a major announcement today at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. “Wisconsin has been a national stem-cell leader, and the governor will make an announcement that will help to cement... more
Apr 25, 2006 Dems to filibuster if ethics reform ignored Three state lawmakers announced Monday their plan to filibuster legislative session today if Assembly leaders refuse to schedule an ethics reform bill for passage. The measure, known as Senate Bill 1, would combine the state’s existing Ethics and Elections boards to create a new Government... more
Apr 25, 2006 Spencer Coggs Supports Cleaning up Poll Lists I wonder if he's thought this through. Because I think his idea only reinforces the fact that the poll list situation in Wisconsin is a farce. (Which is a huge part of the argument in favor of requiring voters to prove who they are on election day). State Sen. Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee) has... more
Apr 24, 2006 WI Democrats Want To Take Action On Gas Prices MADISON – In Wisconsin, a pair of local Democratic lawmakers want to take action on rising gas prices. State Representative Tom Nelson and State Senator Dave Hansen say a set of bills must be pulled out of committee. The bills would give the attorney general the power to prosecute wholesale... more
Apr 24, 2006 Ron Kind's Hi-Octane Chutzpah During a roundtable discussion with area farmers in West Salem on Thursday, Ron Kind said, "I believe it is time our nation commits itself to kicking the fossil fuel import habit by replacing Middle East oil with Midwest grain and other 'home grown' renewable alternatives, such as ethanol and... more
Apr 23, 2006 Democrats Contour November Strategy Meeting of DNC Focuses on Way To Unseat GOP NEW ORLEANS, April 22 -- Democratic Party officials continue to assemble the pieces for their midterm election strategy, but questions about the party's overall message, differences on Iraq, reservations about their leaders, and debates about campaign tactics contribute to concerns that they may... more
Apr 22, 2006 Citizens vent concerns about health care Democratic lawmakers hear thoughts on easing crisis Racine - Marcelina Rodriguez of Racine talked about how her older children must pay for her $3,000-a-month prescription drug bills because she has been out of work since September and doesn't qualify for any state or local health programs. "You have to decide between putting food on the table... more
Apr 22, 2006 Editorial: GOP fiscal extremists There is one good thing that comes with Republican hegemony: Proof positive that the Grand Old Party no longer even feigns interest in fiscal responsibility. Complete Republican control of the White House and Congress has unleashed a pork-barrel spending spree of unprecedented proportions.... more
Apr 21, 2006 Attorney general unveils environmental-protection bill Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager used her appearance at a local conference to announce new legislation aimed at environmental protection. The attorney general was the keynote speaker at the annual conference of the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership held at the KI Convention Center, 333 Main St.... more
Apr 21, 2006 Warner calls on Rumsfeld to abandon defense position The former governor joins some other Democrats who are thinking of a 2008 presidential run. Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner said in Iowa Thursday that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld should resign, joining some other Democrats eyeing the 2008 presidential nomination. But by saying Rumsfeld should step down, he set himself apart from other potential presidential candidates in his... more
Apr 21, 2006 Obey makes Earth Day visit MERCER, Wis. -- Global warming is the most important long-term problem facing the country, a disciple of the great environmentalist Gaylord Nelson said Thursday in Mercer. "Gaylord was my mentor and teacher for many years," U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau, told the government class at Mercer... more
Apr 21, 2006 GOP front group launches negative media Just the other day, Republican operative Brian Fraley was sounding the alarm about negative media campaigns sure to come soon against Mark Green, from those bloated (hence the illustration from his post) left-leaning groups: I have no confirmation that this will happen. No little birdie... more
Apr 21, 2006 Lawmakers seek probe of possible price gouging by oil companies Washington - Congressional leaders made plans Friday to ask President Bush to order investigations into possible price gouging by oil companies as crude oil prices hit new highs on world markets and average gasoline prices blew through the $3-a-gallon mark. House Speaker Dennis Hastert... more
Apr 20, 2006 Doyle signs bill increasing financial aid awards MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A state financial aid program can award low-income students a maximum $3,000 under legislation signed by Gov. Jim Doyle on Thursday. The law will increase the maximum award for the Wisconsin Higher Education Grant program by $500. The program gives need-based aid to... more
Apr 20, 2006 Wisconsin's Feingold gets big spike in PAC donations WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Russ Feingold's call for censuring President Bush appears to have paid dividends for the Wisconsin Democrat's political action committee. Feingold's leadership PAC, the Progressive Patriots Fund, pulled in $282,000 last month, according to a report filed with the... more
Apr 20, 2006 Falk offers plan for ethics, campaigns Says comprehensive reforms are needed Democratic attorney general candidate Kathleen Falk unveiled a package of proposed campaign finance and ethics reforms today. But watchdog groups said her plan doesn't address how to get big money out of Wisconsin politics. The Dane County executive's proposal calls for limits on when and how... more
Apr 20, 2006 Union targets Downtown workers Bartenders, servers, baristas and others who work Downtown could soon be carrying more than your food or drinks. They may also be carrying union cards. Local organizers for the Industrial Workers of the World union hope to sign up some of the over 4,000 Downtown Madison employees, many of them... more
Apr 20, 2006 Scoop-minded Ron Kind’s Scoop Scooped! Ron Kind, a self-described "budget hawk" and member of the House Budget Committee, said he recently returned $76,000 from his office budget to the U.S. Treasury amounting to $765,000 returned over the last nine years. “Ron Kind is the first guy to break this story every year,” said 3rd... more
Apr 20, 2006 FOX Poll: Gloomy Economic Views; Bush Approval at New Low NEW YORK — More Americans disapprove than approve of how George W. Bush, Donald Rumsfeld and Congress are doing their jobs, while a majority approves of Condoleezza Rice. President Bush’s approval hits a record low of 33 percent this week, clearly damaged by sinking support among Republicans.... more
Apr 20, 2006 State helps pave road to Discovery If all goes as planned, the University of Wisconsin may see the on-campus construction of a premier biotechnology research institute begin as soon as next December. In a 7-1 vote, the state Building Commission gave Gov. Jim Doyle permission Wednesday to go ahead with his plan to build the... more
Apr 19, 2006 Obey says it's time for Rumsfeld to go Attacking Iran is out…but so should Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. That from Congressman Dave Obey Wednesday. Danielle Kaeding reports. Obey spoke to UW-Superior students about the possibility of the Bush administration taking action against Iran. “Anybody who thinks that we have the... more
Apr 19, 2006 Feingold Internet ad targets surveillance Washington - A new Internet ad by Senate Democrat Russ Feingold portrays George Washington as an opponent of domestic surveillance. Feingold wants to censure President Bush over the once-secret government surveillance program launched after the Sept. 11 attacks. In an Internet video... more
Apr 19, 2006 Senator calls for an end to price gouging The state Senate is being called to take up anti-price gouging legislation when lawmakers return to the Capitol next week. With gas prices nearing three-dollars a gallon again in Wisconsin, State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) says now is the time to act on legislation penalizing businesses... more
Apr 18, 2006 Wineke: A worry we wish had come to fruition Guess what the big worry about oil was three years ago? The experts were worried then that a victory in the Iraq War might send oil prices plummeting and thereby ruin the economies of Alberta and Texas, both oil-producing regions. "Fortune" magazine wasn't worried; it predicted the falling... more
Apr 13, 2006 Doyle creates ID theft office, State division will assist victims, push for harsher penalties Fitchburg - Gov. Jim Doyle on Thursday launched an effort to help victims of identity theft fight back and will push lawmakers to create stiffer penalties for those who commit such crimes. In a news conference, Doyle said a newly created state office will help victims find information about... more
Apr 13, 2006 Isthmus: Hurtgen Case Profile The Rise and Fall of a Golden Boy Peter Nicholas Hurtgen entered Wisconsin government fresh out of college in 1987, getting in on the ground floor of Tommy Thompson's extraordinary 14-year tenure in the governor's mansion. Over the course of nearly a decade on Thompson's staff, he rose to become the No. 2 man in the Department of... more
Apr 13, 2006 John Nichols: Bush's coalition of unwilling exits Iraq "We have won, and now we have to start working to implement our program and unify the country," Romano Prodi proclaimed to Italians. Prodi's center-left coalition had just deposed the government of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who had allied Italy with George W. Bush's foreign... more
Apr 13, 2006 Bush approval in state drops, poll says Fewer than one in three Wisconsin voters approves of the job President Bush is doing, according to a new statewide poll by a Republican firm that has been tracking public opinion in the state since 2004. Bush's approval rating has slid since January, and support for a timetable for withdrawal... more
Apr 13, 2006 U.S. Rep. Green: Statement on Lower Fox River Cleanup Partial Settlement Wednesday GREEN BAY – U.S. Rep. Mark Green (R-Green Bay) issued the following statement Wednesday after a partial $30 million settlement was reached with NCR Corp. and Sonoco-U.S. Mills, Inc. to begin cleaning up and restoring the Lower Fox River. “This agreement represents some progress in our... more
Apr 12, 2006 Green out of step on abortion stance Mark Green's campaign likes the new Strategic Vision poll, done by a Republican firm, which shows him in a close race with Jim Doyle. This result may give him some pause, as he touts his brand new endorsement from Wisconsin Right to Life: 6. Would you like to see the United States Supreme... more
Apr 12, 2006 Memo to Brett and Tommy: Know When to Fold Em We have become the Land of the Waffling Prima Donnas. Brett Favre continues his Hamlet-like indecision about returning to the Packers. All eyes remain fixed on the solitary man on the tractor in Kiln, Mississippi, wrestling with his destiny. Or not. Who knows? Maybe he just likes pulling the... more
Apr 12, 2006 EXTREME MARK GREEN VOTES AGAINST BIRTH CONTROL, HOSPITAL CARE FOR NEW MOMS Green is anti-choice, but he is far from pro-“life” Madison, WI – Rep. Mark Green, Republican gubernatorial candidate, has spent his political career undermining women’s access to preventative health care, including birth control and postpartum care. “Green’s desire to criminalize abortion is clear, but his record is far from... more
Apr 7, 2006 DEMS HYPE VETERANS RUNNING FOR OFFICE In a strange April twist, the state’s non-partisan spring elections gained national attention this week as 32 communities weighed in on an issue that is traditionally decided by top brass at the Pentagon. Supporters dubbed the rare showing of referendum-driven democracy a mandate on the war,... more
Apr 7, 2006 Kinsman launches campaign against Huebsch ONALASKA, Wis. - Who's this guy taking on Mike Huebsch? Democrat Jim Kinsman of Onalaska introduced himself to the news media Thursday, kicking off his campaign against the six-term incumbent and Republican majority leader of the Wisconsin State Assembly. "I'm just a hardworking family... more
Apr 7, 2006 Candidates for 8th District seat to debate issues at UW-Green Bay Candidates for the 8th Congressional District seat will take questions from local and state journalists in upcoming debates at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The first debate â€” involving Democratic candidates Steve Kagen, Nancy Nusbaum and Jamie Wall â€” is scheduled for April 25.... more
Apr 7, 2006 Cheney's Aide Says President Approved Leak WASHINGTON, April 6 â€” Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff testified that he was authorized by President Bush, through Mr. Cheney, in July 2003 to disclose key parts of what until then was a classified prewar intelligence estimate on Iraq, according to a new court filing. The... more
Apr 7, 2006 Poll: Bush, GOP hit new lows in public opinion "These numbers are scary," GOP pollster says as Democrats eye opportunity WASHINGTON - President Bush's approval ratings hit a series of new lows in an AP-Ipsos poll that also shows Republicans surrendering their advantage on national security grim election-year news for a party struggling to stay in power. Democratic leaders predicted they will seize control of one... more
Apr 6, 2006 Doyle says state should review standards for charity program MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Jim Doyle called for a review Thursday of standards used to determine whether charities can participate in a state-run program allowing employees to automatically donate part of their paychecks. A coalition of faith-based groups filed a federal lawsuit against state... more
Apr 6, 2006 The Green money trail Seems no one wants to keep money associated with Tom Delay. Congressman Mark Green apparently still has about thirty thousand dollars associated with the former house majority leader. He says he can't give it to charity because that's illegal under state campaign finance laws. Although... more
Apr 6, 2006 Doyle signs sex offender bill allowing life term Madison - Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill Thursday that could send two-time sex offenders to prison for life. The bill (AB 708) gives judges the authority to send criminals to prison for life if they have been twice convicted of first-degree sexual assault. The previous maximum penalty for a... more
Apr 6, 2006 Green Campaign: No Donations for Faith-Based Organizations Under DoyleGreen staffers apparently missed this sentence in the JS story: Green is always quick to jump on an opportunity to throw mud at Gov. Jim Doyle, Clean Mark Green rushed out a press release today, based on a Journal Sentinel story about a group of "faith-based" organizations claiming they were discriminated against in a donor program for state workers The... more
Apr 6, 2006 Dems Open Up Battlefront Over Military Veteran Voters With issues such as the Iraq war and terrorism ranking as high priorities for most voters, Democratic officials have spent much of the past two weeks trying to persuade the press and the public that they are better-equipped to deal with national security and military veterans than the Bush... more
Apr 5, 2006 Bush's Nightmare on Main Street: Wisconsin Says, "Out of Iraq" The votes are in and Wisconsin spoke clearly. From Madison to wealthy Milwaukee suburbs, from northern Ladysmith to Evansville, Wisconsin voters made it abundantly clear that the Second Bush picked the wrong war at the wrong time. These were not tepid resolutions that allowed for staged... more
Apr 5, 2006 Doyle pushes health care reinsurance Governor talks with business leaders from Wausau area Gov. Jim Doyle came to Wausau on Tuesday to talk to people like Debbie Flood, who owns Melron Corp. The small foundry in Schofield, which makes window and door hardware, struggles with rising energy and materials costs, competition with businesses in Asia and skyrocketing health care costs.... more
Apr 5, 2006 Wineke: It's Green's turn to get rid of tainted money The state Democrat Party says Mark Green should return his tainted money, just like his Republican colleague Paul Ryan did. US Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) is giving away the $27,500 in campaign money he got from former Majority Leader Tom DeLay, following the announcement that Delay will... more
Apr 4, 2006 Rep. Paul Ryan to donate Tom Delay's contributions to charity -- and state Dems say Mark Green should follow Ryan Paul Ryan for Congress has released the following statement: Between 1998 and 2001, Rep. Tom Delay's campaign and political action committee donated a total of $27,500 to Rep. Paul Ryan's campaigns. These contributions were perfectly appropriate and legal. On Friday, March 31st, a former... more
Apr 4, 2006 California Cheese Wheys In On Green Campaign Mark Green has been tied to convicted Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the state Capitol caucus scandal, indicted former GOP House leader Tom DeLay and some shady Illinois donors. But what could really get him in trouble around here is taking campaign cash from a California cheese maker.... more
Apr 4, 2006 Feingold opposes ban on same-sex marriage U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold said he strongly opposes the constitutional amendment that will be on ballots statewide in November to ban same-sex marriage and "substantially similar" relationships from being recognized in Wisconsin. In a statement issued Tuesday, Feingold called the amendment a... more
Apr 4, 2006 Hammered: DeLay gives up House seat When he was making his name in American politics, as House Speaker Newt Gingrich's political enforcer, Tom DeLay was confronted by fellow Republicans who urged him to embrace a bipartisan budget compromise. Using an expletive later attributed to Dick Cheney, DeLay growled, "F-- that, it's time... more
Apr 4, 2006 John Nichols: Walker's exit could give Falk a boost Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker's decision to exit the competition for the Republican nomination for governor is Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. If Walker had stayed in the race, the GOP gubernatorial contest between him and U.S. Rep. Mark Green... more
Apr 3, 2006 U.S. Rep. Green: Voters with Driver's Licenses Should Bring them to Polls Tuesday if Possible For additional information or comment from Rep. Green, contact: Luke Punzenberger (office) 202-226-7385 (pager) 800-759-8888 PIN 1754041 Green warns that new State Elections Board rule allowing all voters to register using partial Social Security numbers may not comply with federal... more
Apr 3, 2006 Governor's race just became a yawner Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker has dropped his bid to be the Republican gubernatorial candidate for 2006, saying he was unable to raise enough money. His decision leaves the nomination to U.S. Rep. Mark Green of Green Bay. It also eliminates any serious Republican primary campaign for... more
Apr 1, 2006 Angus Reid Global Scan : Polls & Research Doyle Has Five-Point Edge in Wisconsin April 1, 2006 (Angus Reid Global Scan) – Jim Doyle remains the frontrunner in the Badger State’s gubernatorial election, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 45 per cent of respondents would support the incumbent, while 40 per cent would vote for Republican United States congressman Mark... more
Mar 31, 2006 Ex-DeLay aide pleads guilty to fraud WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A former senior aide to Rep. Tom DeLay pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to fraud conspiracy, saying he joined a scheme with lobbyist Jack Abramoff and others to enrich themselves and illegally influence members of Congress. In a deal with federal prosecutors, Tony... more
Mar 31, 2006 In '06, 'values' debate will include stem cells People are starting to take notice of Wisconsin’s push-and-pull on stem cell research. Gov. Jim Doyle has taken a firm line on promoting the research, pioneered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as an important economic development tool for the state that could also contribute to... more
Mar 31, 2006 Green covers his butt For one of the first times in memory, Rep. Mark Green, an assistant Republican House whip, voted against his party leadership today, on a resolution calling for an investigation of convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff's ties to House members and their staffs. Green, whose staffers have accepted... more
Mar 30, 2006 What you'll need to register on Tuesday Going to register at the polls on Tuesday, when you vote in the spring general election? There's a lot of new and conflicting information out there, some of it false. And there have been enough changes so some of the people working at the polls may not know the rules, either. Be sure you... more
Mar 30, 2006 War vet seeks Leibham's job MANITOWOC — In May 2004, State Sen. Joe Leibham, R-Sheboygan, verbally saluted a returning Iraq war Army veteran. Leibham called Jamie Aulik "an honorable young man ... who should serve as an example to all of us." Now, Aulik, 26, wants Leibham's job. "I want to give all of you a voice,... more
Mar 30, 2006 Wisconsin lieutenant governor promotes home heating aid while in La Crosse Qualifying moderate-income families could get between $200 and $400 for their heating bills, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton said Wednesday in La Crosse. “The warmth of spring doesn’t melt away” winter’s heating bills, Lawton said at a news conference to encourage people to apply for help from the new... more
Mar 30, 2006 Taxation discussed without taxpayers Public not invited to meeting on revenue amendment Germantown - Two state senators held an invitation-only meeting Wednesday that largely excluded the public from discussion of a constitutional amendment that would clamp strict limits on government spending. The Republican lawmakers, Glenn Grothman of West Bend and Alberta Darling of River... more
Mar 29, 2006 College Dems laud debate stirred over Feingold censure Sen. Russ Feingold’s call for a censure of President Bush over the National Security Agency’s wiretapping has not received broad support nationwide, but Wisconsin’s College Democrats are hopeful for what this action could mean in the long run. While some members, much like the Democratic... more
Mar 29, 2006 Baldwin listens SAUK PRAIRIE - With Congress on recess, Rep. Tammy Baldwin used the time to travel around her district to listen to people's concerns. She stopped at the Sauk City Public Library on the afternoon of March 22. "What's on your mind?" she asked. "What should or should we not do?" Medicare... more
Mar 29, 2006 State Buys 65,000 Northeastern Acres More than 100 square miles of northeastern Wisconsin forest land will be protected forever by a land sale Governor Jim Doyle announced Wednesday. The Wild Rivers Legacy Forest Project includes almost 65,000 acres of forest, lakes, streams, and shoreline in Marinette, Forest, and Florence... more
Mar 29, 2006 Groups, Dems urge Doyle to veto rent-to-own bill MADISON, Wis. - Key Democrats and consumer groups are urging Gov. Jim Doyle to veto a bill that would create new rules for rent-to-own stores while allowing them to conceal the interest rates they charge consumers. Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, joined critics such as Senate Minority... more
Mar 29, 2006 Abramoff gets 5 years, 10 months in fraud case. Lobbyist in Washington's latest corruption scandal sentenced in Miami MIAMI - Disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff was sentenced Wednesday to five years and 10 months in prison for fraud related to the 2000 purchase of the SunCruz Casinos gambling fleet. The sentence was the minimum under his plea agreement in the case. Abramoff arrived in court several... more
Mar 29, 2006 Feingold reports no ground made against insurgency Washington - Sen. Russ Feingold, after a weekend trip to Iraq, said Tuesday that in many ways, he found the security situation "significantly worse" than when he first visited in February 2005. "I heard nothing to believe the insurgency is weaker than a year ago," he said. Feingold was in a... more
Mar 29, 2006 Doyle takes credit for luring Abbott Tax change attracted firm to state, he says The decision by global pharmaceutical group Abbott Laboratories Inc. potentially to create thousands of jobs in southeastern Wisconsin hinged on a reform in the corporate tax code that Gov. Jim Doyle championed after taking office in 2003, the governor said Tuesday. In an election year when... more
Mar 29, 2006 State sees cut in federal aid for low-income students The flow of federal aid to help educate low-income children in Wisconsin will be reduced for next year, federal education officials say, and that has state and Milwaukee school leaders concerned. Funding under what is called Title I grew substantially in the first several years of the Bush... more
Mar 28, 2006 Mr. President, meet your censurer. The high political stakes of the NSA domestic surveillance program WASHINGTON - As Sen. Russ Feingold urges the Senate to censure President Bush, the alleged misdeed that moved the Wisconsin Democrat to propose censure continues: the Bush administration keeps conducting surveillance of calls by suspected al Qaida operatives to and from people in the U.S.... more
Mar 27, 2006 Mark Green's phony 'pledge' Have you ever noticed how it's always the candidate with less money who proposes a campaign spending limit? Today it's Mark Green, challenging Jim Doyle to sign a "clean campaign pledge" that is more about helping Green financially and politically than it is about cleaning anything up. in... more
Mar 26, 2006 Some say time is right for political reform in Wisconsin With several Wisconsin legislators headed to jail, speakers at a Democracy Forum held in La Crosse on Saturday said the time is ripe for ethics and campaign finance reform in Wisconsin. “The planets are lined up,” former Republican Assembly representative Dave Martin told about 30 people... more
Mar 26, 2006 Obey speaks for Social Security HURLEY -- The battle to keep Social Security from being privatized is far from over, U.S. Rep Dave Obey told senior citizens at the Iron County Aging Unit Thursday. The Wausau Democrat said that, without fanfare, the president requested money in his budget to implement that plan at a cost of... more
Mar 24, 2006 National GOP chairman visits state, calls Doyle vulnerable Madison - Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle is the most vulnerable governor in the country of either party, Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman said Thursday in Madison. Mehlman, who was in Wisconsin to help raise money for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, said the state's race for... more
Mar 24, 2006 Rob Zaleski: Finally, a Democrat with cojones Though I don't claim to be an expert on these matters, that appears to be the general reaction of liberal Democrats - and more than a few moderate Dems - to Sen. Russ Feingold's resolution to censure President Bush for authorizing what Feingold says is an illegal wiretapping program and for... more
Mar 24, 2006 Bush censure idea, Medicare Part D hot topics at Feingold listening session COLUMBUS -- Last week, U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold stood alone in Washington when he called for a censure of President Bush. Wednesday morning one citizen stood up in a room largely full of Feingold supporters and told the senator he was out of line. "I disagree with your call to censure the... more
Mar 24, 2006 Democrats to GOP: Let's get things done State Democratic representatives called on the Republican-controlled Assembly to forget about the â€œfringe issuesâ€ they say lawmakers have focused on and spend the final days of the legislative session on measures that will make a difference for middle-class Wisconsin families. State Rep.... more
Mar 24, 2006 Grim U.S. debt demands action The United States owes a staggering $8.2 trillion to foreign countries and other investors. That's more than $27,000 for every man, woman and child in this country. And instead of finding sustainable ways to pay off the debt, the Senate last week chose to increase the borrowing limit to $9... more
Mar 24, 2006 Democrats Say Bush Violated Constitution WASHINGTON (AP) -House Democrats want President Bush to say whether he knew of what they call a "fundamental constitutional problem" with the $39 billion deficit reduction package he signed last month. A letter to Bush, signed by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Henry Waxman of... more...
Mar 24, 2006 U.S. Sen. Feingold: To Make Second Trip to Iraq Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Russ Feingold will be traveling in Iraq as part of a delegation that includes Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and John Thune (R-SD). This is Feingold’s second trip to Iraq. Feingold toured the country in February 2005 with Senator McCain as well as Senators Hillary... more
Mar 23, 2006 DNC: Mehlman Brings Politics of Distortion and Distraction to Wisconsin Washington, DC - Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman is in Wisconsin today for GOP fundraisers in Madison, Green Bay and Spooner. Mehlman is expected to continue the Republican strategy of ignoring the facts, cherry-picking information and misleading the American people to defend... more
Mar 23, 2006 Medicare drug plan continues to draw seniors' ire May 15 deadline for Part D unrealistic, some say The Medicare Part D prescription drug plan needs changing now. That was the message from about 30 senior citizens and advocates for seniors and people with disabilities during a listening session Wednesday at the Aging and Disability Resource Center, 300 S. Adams St., Green Bay. The session... more
Mar 23, 2006 Thousands march for immigrants 'A Day Without Latinos' seeks to flex political muscle in divisive debate In one of Milwaukee's largest demonstrations in recent years, a mile-long swath of peaceful protesters marched into the city's downtown Thursday chanting, "Â¡SÃ, se puede!" ("Yes, we can!"), carrying Mexican and American flags and signs condemning what they called "anti-immigrant" legislation. more
Mar 23, 2006 Obey: Congress must police itself While school children and college students enjoy their spring break either on the beach, at the Boys & Girls Club or just hanging out at home, Congressman Dave Obey (D-Wausau) is taking his week off from sessions of Congress to speak to groups throughout his district. "Last Wednesday, the... more
Mar 23, 2006 Here’s a health care proposal: Insure everybody A proposed remedy for soaring health care costs in Wisconsin can be summed up in a few words: everybody in the pool. That means everybody gets a basic insurance plan that includes free preventive care, incentives for staying healthy, prescription drug coverage and $500 per year in a health... more
Mar 22, 2006 32 Communities Voting on Iraq Withdrawal On Monday, the third anniversary of the U.S. war with Iraq, President Bush called on Americans to look beyond the continuing violence for signs of progress. But some people in Wisconsin see that violence -- and also that progress-- as reasons enough to end the war. In two weeks, voters in more... more
Mar 22, 2006 New state law will help develop manure gases as renewable energy MARSHFIELD -- Cows might soon power local farms, especially in Clark County. The Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act signed by Gov. Jim Doyle last week supports the development of agricultural digesters to convert manure gases into energy, said Dan Ebert, Public Service Commission of... more
Mar 22, 2006 Doyle touts ethanol at GM plant Gov. Jim Doyle reiterated his commitment to ethanol Tuesday on a Rock County stage where he said the flexible fuel would boost two of the county's largest industries. "It all comes together in Janesville," Doyle said in reference to the county's agriculture and automotive industries. Doyle... more
Mar 22, 2006 For ’08 win, target Wis., Ohio now Much as we might like to deny it, voters are creatures of habit. In only 13 of the 51 states (including the District of Columbia) did Bush’s two-party margin in ’04 vary by more than three points, either way, from his 2000 showing. In just four states — Alabama, Tennessee, Hawaii and Rhode... more
Mar 21, 2006 Feingold connects at home, Rural listeners applaud senator's resolution Belle Plaine - Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold wants to make one thing perfectly clear - he's for wiretapping terrorists. He just wants it done legally. That was the message Feingold carried to this corner of rural Wisconsin Monday during two listening sessions with constituents.... more
Mar 21, 2006 John Nichols: Bush costly, even for conservatives Republicans who gathered in Wauwatosa last week for the annual Future Wisconsin conference got an unexpected dose of reality from a former Badger State politico who has made it big in national conservative circles. American Conservative Union President David Keene, who as a GOP wunderkind... more
Mar 21, 2006 Voting changes coming in April New federal law makes registration lists mandatory MADISON — Voters in Wisconsin's smallest communities will have to do something new before they can cast ballots in next month's spring election: register to vote. State law does not require towns and villages with populations under 5,000 to maintain voter registration records, affecting... more
Mar 21, 2006 Jensen leaves door open He quits office but won't rule out public service role Madison - In a resignation letter Tuesday, state Rep. Scott R. Jensen (R-Town of Brookfield) says he might never again hold elective office after convictions for felony misconduct, but he won't "give up on the dream of public service." The resignation was effective at the end of Tuesday, which... more
Mar 21, 2006 Governor Signs Bill To Help Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome Gov. Jim Doyle has signed a bill to help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome. The governor said Tuesday that about one-half of the people who shake a child don't realize the potential harm. The bill requires the production of brochures and materials on the dangers of shaking a child. It also... more
Mar 21, 2006 Grassroots agree with Feingold on censure In case you needed another sign that Washington politicians are out of touch with the mainstream in this country, consider this: Washington - The Republican National Committee says it will begin airing an ad on talk radio shows in Milwaukee and Madison this week criticizing Wisconsin Sen. Russ... more
Mar 21, 2006 Feingold decidedly in the middle The full version of the story noted just below about the ads running against Russ Feingold brings in the Newsweek poll on censure: In a nationwide Newsweek Poll of registered voters conducted March 16 and 17, 42% supported censure and 50% opposed it. Among Democrats, 60% supported censure and... more
Mar 20, 2006 GOP Struggles To Define Its Message for 2006 Elections Republican efforts to craft a policy and political agenda to carry the party into the midterm elections have stumbled rep