Wisconsin Doesn't Look Good In Red

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, the economic trend in Wisconsin over the last 3 months has been sharply down. It's been far worse here in Wisconsin than any other state, as depicted by the stark red shaded Wisconsin in the map above.

The map comes from a report put together monthly by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia which tracks the economic trends of each state.  This isn't good news for Wisconsin, which has traditionally had a much better economy than other states.

Look at Illinois, the state Walker thought people would be flocking to Wisconsin from. They sure aren't flocking here, those pesky "job creators". Let this be a lesson, Republicans suck at the economy! All the red and pink states have Republican governors.

Thanks a lot Scott "Where Are The Jobs?" Walker!  That's what we get for asking a college drop-out to be career politician to lead this state.  Good thing we have over 507,553 signatures to recall your butt, we'll get at least another 250,000 in the next month.

Have You Recalled Walker Yet?

The recall of Walker starts today. Have you recalled Walker yet?

We're recalling Walker for taking rights away from our fellow Wisconsinites, making it more difficult to vote, easier to shoot someone in the Capitol than to take someone's picture, making it more difficult for renters in Wisconsin, not creating jobs, not compromising with anyone, not making the truly hard decisions required to help fix our economy, and many other things that make Wisconsin look more like Alabama without leaves.

Walker isn't progress unless we're living in a previous century.

It's time to take our Wisconsin back!

(Make sure you also sign the petition to recall Lt. Gov. Kleefisch, too, or she'll be Gov when Walker is booted!)

Ohio Rejects Anti-Union Law

The people of Ohio have spoken, and they have rejected the anti-union law SB 5. The law was defeated by 61% of the vote with 83% currently reporting. That's quite a large margin. In fact, according to MSNBC, more people voted against SB 5 then who voted for Governor Kasich in 2010. The energy behind the Ohio referendum is here, it started here in Wisconsin. We start translating that energy into recalling Governor Walker and reinstating the rights of Wisconsinites next week, and the vote in Ohio will give Walker more reason to worry.

Walker Gets Koch-Fueled Head Start in Recall

This afternoon news broke that the Walker recall unexpectedly started today, nearly two weeks before Democrats planned on beginning. The recall petitioner, David Brandt, is a Walker donor and named the committee the "Close Friends to Recall Walker." So it's the Republicans behind this preemptive start. But why would the Republicans want to start Walker's recall early?

It all comes down to fundraising for the "Close Friends of Walker." Next week, Walker will be traveling across the country to Koch brother-backed fundraising events filled by attendees with very deep pockets. Wisconsin law allows the targets of recall campaigns to raise an unlimited amount of funds to defend themselves, but normally politicians have strict fundraising limits. Since the recall has started, Walker can raise as much money as possible and come back to Wisconsin with millions. The November 15 start for the recall planned by the Democrats would take place after Walker's trip.

Now, Walker can use the millions he'll get to spam the airwaves with ads begging us to not sign the recall petition before the Democrats and the people of Wisconsin even get started. Walker and the Republicans are running scared, but they're going to make this an uphill battle. Join the Recall Walker effort at the Wisconsin Democrats RecallHQ where you can also get the latest information including news, events and how you can help.

The Recall Walker Kick Off Rally will take place in Madison at the State Capitol on Saturday, November 19th at 1pm.

WI Attorney General Van Hollen Declines Work - Deserves An Investigation

Apparently J.B. Van Hollen is too busy for real AG work, because he's declined to investigate potential election fraud in Waukesha County and former Walker aides who may have violated law. Van Hollen declined to help the FBI with their secret Walker investigation after they requested his assistance. The FBI doesn't waste time, there's definitely a fishy smell emanating from the Walker camp. Yet, Van Hollen spent years investigating voter fraud when no rational mind suspects an issue of any real significance, and the results were what we expected, no significant voter fraud.

Tens of thousands of Wisconsinites and several high-profile people asked Van Hollen to investigate the glaring election issues in Waukesha County after the Supreme Court election in which David Prosser won by a very small margin, where significant election fraud may have occurred. However, J.B. Van Hollen declined to make any effort to investigate. Instead, the Government Accountability Board appointed a special investigator, Timothy Verhoff. Verhoff has now completed his investigation, only a few months later. Was the office of J.B. Van Hollen really so busy that they couldn't investigate?

Now, the FBI has asked J.B. Van Hollen to assist in their previously secret investigation of former Walker aides. What could possibly make Van Hollen believe the FBI is wrong in investigating these aides? If the FBI is wrong, shouldn't Van Hollen assist the FBI in coming to that conclusion?

Putting this all together what picture do we paint? Van Hollen has a very selective bias when it comes to what he chooses to investigate, but a very simple threshold. Will the investigation help Republicans? Yes, then investigate. No, then keep as quiet as possible. The investigations into voter fraud created a buzz around the words "voter fraud," most likely enabling the passage of the Voter Suppression Bill, which helps Republicans win more elections by suppressing votes for Democrats. Investigating election fraud in Waukesha County during the Supreme Court election could have resulted in a win for Kloppenburg, hurting Republicans, but keeping quiet left the status quo. Assisting the investigation of former Walker aides could potentially bring light to areas the FBI is dark on, potentially incriminating more aides and Walker himself. That would for sure hurt the Republicans, but keeping quiet can only help.

I'm sorry Mr. Van Hollen, but the people of Wisconsin, your employer, want you to do your job! You don't get a big fat paycheck to investigate only the things you're interested in. J.B. Van Hollen, you are a disgrace to your position and the State of Wisconsin. I think it's time for an investigation of J.B. Van Hollen's office, if there isn't already an ongoing secret FBI investigation. Tell Wisconsin why you won't investigate these very serious allegations when you'll investigate frivolous claims for years.

Want more reason to suspect politicizing by Van Hollen, check this out:

Wisconsin Recall Success Spreads To Ohio

After seeing the Democrats in Wisconsin taking Governor Scott Walker's working majority away from him, Ohio Governor Kasich has backpedaled from Ohio Senate Bill 5 (Ohio's equivalent to Walker's collective bargaining rights-stripping bill), asking to work with opponents to amend the law instead of continue a voter referendum effort to repeal the entire law. The most recent poll in Ohio showed that Ohio voters favor repealing the law 56% to 32% against. The law was passed essentially the same as ours, without negotiation or any real debate, but now, just like Walker, Kasich is trying to look like he can be bipartisan.

We Are Ohio (Ohio's equivalent to We Are Wisconsin) told Rachel Maddow on MSNBC tonight that Kasich's backpedal is due directly to the success of the recall efforts in Wisconsin, and We Are Wisconsin told Rachel that they agree. The momentum is with the rights of workers and the middle class, no longer the Tea Party, and it's spreading beyond Wisconsin.

All Democrats Retain Seats In Wisconsin Recalls

The AP has called both of today's recall elections for the Democrats, making all three Republican attempts failures. Democratic Senator Dave Hansen retained his seat in the first recall election on July 19. Senators Bob Wirch and Jim Holperin retained their seats following their big wins in today's elections in Senate Districts 12 and 22.

The Democrats were able to remove two Republicans from office in the August 9th recall elections. The Republicans maintain majority in the State Senate, but only by one, leaving Republican Senator Dale Schultz (who voted against Walker's collective bargaining rights-stripping bill) as the "king-maker" for many situations in the future. This should make Walker's anti-worker and anti-middle class policies more difficult to pass from now on, which is exactly what we wanted.

Following are the latest results:

12th Senate District

Jim Holperin, D - 55% (winner)

Kim Simac, R - 45%

95% reporting

22nd Senate District

Bob Wirch, D - 58% (winner)

Jonathan Steitz, R - 42%

100% reporting

Two Successful Recalls of Republicans - Dems Won't Pursue Questions of Irregularities

Earlier, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Mike Tate said Waukesha County Kathy Nicholaus was sitting on and tampering with votes. Waukesha County had told reporters that they would withhold their results until tomorrow without reason. However, within an hour after the announcement by Tate, Waukesha County has now fully reported, and the AP has called the race for Albert Darling. The Wisconsin Democrats have since issued another statement.

"On Tuesday night, Wisconsin spoke loud and clear with the recall of two entrenched Republicans. This is an accomplishment of historic proportions that I do not wish to be overshadowed by statements regarding results in the 8th Senate District.

Though we believe that Sandy Pasch was able to battle Alberta Darling to a virtual tie, on her turf, we will not pursue questions of irregularities. Those heat-of-the-moment statements came in light of the uncertainties that arose from a recent election, known too well.
The fact of the matter remains, that, fighting on Republican turf, we have begun the work of stopping the Scott Walker agenda."

If there are issues with our elections, they should be investigated whether the results change the election or not, and I believe the Wisconsin Democrats should pursue any questions, not to try to change the election, but to ensure our elections are truly fair and secure. If there are no longer any questions, the Democrats should be clear. The Wisconsin Wave is calling for people to be ready to mobilize Wednesday for possible issues in Waukesha County.

Following are the latest results:

2nd Senate District

Robert Cowles, R - 60% (winner)

Nancy Nusbaum, D - 40%

100% reporting

8th Senate District

Alberta Darling, R - 54% (winner)

Sandy Pasch, D - 46%

99% reporting

10th Senate District

Sheila Harsdorf, R - 58% (winner)

Shelly Moore, D - 42%

100% reporting

14th Senate District

Luther Olsen, R - 52% (winner)

Fred Clark, D - 48%

100% reporting

18th Senate District

Jessica King, D - 51% (winner)

Randy Hopper, R - 49%

100% reporting

32nd Senate District

Jennifer Shilling, D - 55% (winner)

Dan Kapanke, R - 45%

100% reporting

Democrat winners will take their seat immediately, removing Senators Randy Hopper and Dan Kapanke. The next battle is to recall Scott Walker so that we can begin restoring and improving Wisconsin.

Recall Elections: Waukesha County Tampering

Following is the statement of Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate following evidence of election tampering in the 8th State Senate District race.

"The race to determine control of the Wisconsin Senate has fallen in the hands of the Waukesha County clerk, who has already distinguished herself as incompetent, if not worse. She is once more tampering with the results of a consequential election and in the next hours we will determine our next course of action. For now, Wisconsin should know that a dark cloud hangs over these important results."

As reported earlier, Waukesha County is delaying the reporting of their vote counts until tomorrow for no given reason. 100% of all of the other 5 districts have reported their results. You may remember Waukesha County and Kathy Nicholaus who just happened to lose and then later find enough votes to give the election to the Republican-backed David Prosser in the April Wisconsin Supreme Court race. State Senator Jon Erpenbach told Rachel Maddow on MSNBC tonight that "Waukesha County should have been one of the first counties reporting."

A video of Democratic Party of Wisconsin Spokesman Graeme Zielinski accusing Kathy Nicholaus of tampering with the election has been posted to YouTube.

"This contest has been tampered with by Waukesha County Clerk Kathy Nicholaus. We believe that we were up. The Associated Press had us up. She is sitting on votes. We believe right now there are severe irregularities in Waukesha County. Once again, we believe that the very fate of the Wisconsin Senate right now hangs in the balance and is in the hands of a woman who has already shown extreme incompetence and maybe more. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin believes that Kathy Nicholaus is tampering with this election. She is sitting on votes. Our models, our returns, our results show us ahead in this election, this important election, the election that will determine control of the Wisconsin Senate, and we believe that Kathy Nicholaus, a Waukesha Republican and former staffer to Assembly Republicans, who has shown gross incompetence and maybe more in the Supreme Court election is at it again. We believe there are dirty tricks at foot. We believe an investigation is needed, or at least a very good explanation for what looks like she's doing to this election. We'll wait and we'll see what transpires the rest of the night. We might not have any more statements right now. Of course our legal team is exploring all of our legal options right now. We're getting as best information as we can, but right now I can say that it's our belief that the election that will determine control of the Senate is being tampered with."

Update: (12:51pm) Waukesha County has now fully reported, shortly after telling the press they wouldn't fully report results tonight, and the AP has called the race for Alberta "Walker's" Darling. The events late this evening are quite mysterious, but from the Dems latest statement, they won't be pursing an investigation. The Wisconsin Wave is calling for people to be ready to mobilize Wednesday for possible issues in Waukesha County.

Recall Elections: Waukesha County Suspiciously Withholding Election Results

Ed Schultz on MSNBC is reporting that Waukesha County has told reporters that they are withholding their election results until tomorrow. Waukesha County is part of the heated district race between Sandy Pasch and Alberta Darling. John Nichols told Ed that there is no reason for such a delay and that Waukesha County should be able to report as quickly as everyone else.

You may remember Waukesha County and Kathy Nicholaus who just happened to lose and then later find enough votes to give the election to the Republican-backed David Prosser in the April Wisconsin Supreme Court race. This BS was supposed to be resolved after that election, but apparently Wisconsin and the GAB are happy to have a flaky and untrustworthy County Clerk in Kathy Nicholaus. State Senator Jon Erpenbach told Rachel Maddow tonight that "Waukesha County should have been one of the first counties reporting" and is now an issue.

Ed said that several sources have told him this may lead to an investigation to protect the integrity of our elections, and I hope it does. Ed also reported that Democrat Chair Mike Tate has issued a statement saying that Kathy Nicholaus "is tampering with our elections," and they will plan their response in the next hour.

Updated: (11:23pm) Ed Schultz reported that Waukesha County is now telling reporters they won't provide results until some time tomorrow. The delay was originally reported to be one hour. More info here.

Recall Elections: Two Republican Recalls Successful - Darling/Pasch Race Too Close To Call

The AP has called 2 recall elections for the Democrats and 3 Republicans have retained their seats thus far. Democrat Sandy Pasch is leading Alberta Darling in the only race remaining with 52%. If Pasch wins the race, the Democrats will have a majority in the Senate. However, part of the troubled Waukesha County is in that district and is reported behind in counting by John Nichols on MSNBC.

2nd Senate District

Robert Cowles, R - 58% (winner)

Nancy Nusbaum, D - 42%

93% reporting

8th Senate District

Sandy Pasch, D - 52%

Alberta Darling, R - 48%

67% reporting

10th Senate District

Sheila Harsdorf, R - 58% (winner)

Shelly Moore, D - 42%

98% reporting

14th Senate District

Luther Olsen, R - 52% (winner)

Fred Clark, D - 48%

100% reporting

18th Senate District

Jessica King, D - 51% (winner)

Randy Hopper, R - 49%

100% reporting

32nd Senate District

Jennifer Shilling, D - 56% (winner)

Dan Kapanke, R- 44%

87% reporting

You can watch the recall elections results live on MSNBC.

Recall Elections: At Least One Republican Recall Successful - Senate Majority In Reach

The first Republican to fall in the recall elections is Dan Kapanke as the AP called the race for Jennifer Shilling. The AP has also called 3 races for the Republicans: Robert Cowles, Sheila Harsdorf and Luther Olsen. The Democrats lead the 2 uncalled races. If the Democrats win both of those races, they will overtake the majority of the Wisconsin Senate, fulfilling the promise of the recalls (as long as there isn't another Waukesha surprise).

2nd Senate District

Robert Cowles, R - 58% (winner)

Nancy Nusbaum, D - 42%

92% reporting

8th Senate District

Sandy Pasch, D - 55%

Alberta Darling, R - 45%

43% reporting

10th Senate District

Sheila Harsdorf, R - 58% (winner)

Shelly Moore, D - 42%

97% reporting

14th Senate District

Luther Olsen, R - 52% (winner)

Fred Clark, D - 48%

100% reporting

18th Senate District

Jessica King, D - 50%

Randy Hopper, R - 50%

87% reporting

32nd Senate District

Jennifer Shilling, D - 55% (winner)

Dan Kapanke, R- 45%

82% reporting

You can watch the recall elections results live on MSNBC.

Recall Elections: 3 Democrats Needed For Senate Majority Leading Results

In the recall elections for the 6 recalled Republican Senators, the Associated Press has called the races for Robert Cowles and Sheila Harsdorf, while Democrats in 3 other races are leading their recalled opponents. The Democrats need 3 wins to overtake the Senate, the only thing that can help slow down the Walker damage to Wisconsin.

2nd Senate District

Robert Cowles, R - 58% (winner)

Nancy Nusbaum, D - 42%

91% reporting

8th Senate District

Sandy Pasch, D - 56%

Alberta Darling, R - 44%

39% reporting

10th Senate District

Sheila Harsdorf, R - 58% (winner)

Shelly Moore, D - 42%

82% reporting

14th Senate District

Luther Olsen, R - 54%

Fred Clark, D - 46%

96% reporting

18th Senate District

Jessica King, D - 52%

Randy Hopper, R - 48%

23% reporting

32nd Senate District

Jennifer Shilling, D - 54%

Dan Kapanke, R- 46%

82% reporting

You can watch the recall elections results live on MSNBC, continuing through 10pm.

Recall Elections: Republican Senators Cowles and Harsdorf Retain Seats

In the recall elections for the 6 recalled Republican Senators, the Associated Press has called the races for Robert Cowles and Sheila Harsdorf. The Democratic candidates Sandy Pasch and Jennifer Schilling are leading their recalled opponents with 57% and 53% of the vote respectively. The race between Randy Hopper and Jessica King is nearly tied at 50% for each with King slightly ahead. If Pasch, Schilling and King go on to win, the Democrats will take majority of the Wisconsin Senate.

You can watch the recall election results live on MSNBC.

Recall Elections: Early Results In - John Nichols Optimistic

MSNBC is live from Madison, and a few minutes ago John Nichols told Ed Schultz that some polling places were just closing at 9pm from long lines and he's optimistic about the recall elections. The very early results look good for the Republicans, with only Sen. Dan Kapanke losing. However, Nichols said that the rural Republican-leaning districts report first because they have fewer votes to count. So, fewer Democrat-leaning areas have been counted thus far.

UW Badger Poll: Majority Wisconsinites Disapprove Walker and His Budget

A new UW Badger Poll from the University of Wisconsin Survey Center is out, and it shows that Wisconsin doesn't like the direction we're being taken in. A record high for the poll of 55% are dissatisfied with the way things are going in the state. We haven't been this dissatisfied in over 20 years!

A majority of Wisconsinites believe the state is worse off since Walker took office. 55% oppose the Walker-Republican two-year budget recently signed by Walker in Green Bay, and 59% disapprove of the job that Walker is doing, much higher than the previous governor ever received.

Approval of the Democrats in the state is much higher than the Republicans, with nearly half of the state approving of the Democrats' job. Wisconsin overwhelmingly approves of the option of recalls and the recalls this summer, preferring the Democrats to win out by a wide margin.

Things are looking good for the recall elections, if you're a Democrat.

Ron Johnson Thinks The Budget Deficit Is Your Problem, Not His (Part II)

Last week, Senator from Wisconsin Ron Johnson voted against even considering raising taxes on himself and other millionaires in the future, not even a cent. Mr. Johnson would rather kill Medicare than even consider raising taxes on himself. Fortunately, a majority of Republicans voted with the Democrats to consider a non-binding resolution that says those who make $1 million or more "make a more meaningful contribution."

Today, the resolution was considered, but Mr. Johnson and the rest of the Republicans voted against bringing the resolution to a vote. Mr. Johnson and the Republicans didn't want to have to vote against the actual bill, because it's such a ridiculous stance, but most of them have signed onto Rover Norquist's no-tax pledge and can't raise revenue in any way.

Why would Ron Johnson vote against even considering the bill when so many Wisconsin families are struggling and all Johnson can talk about is holding up the Senate in order to reduce the deficit?

Here's the content of the very short bill (S. 1323):

(a) Findings- Congress makes the following findings:

1. The Wall Street Journal reports that median pay for chief financial officers of S&P 500 companies increased 19 percent to $2,900,000 last year.
2. Over the past 10 years, the median family income has declined by more than $2,500.
3. Twenty percent of all income earned in the United States is earned by the top 1 percent of individuals.
4. Over the past quarter century, four-fifths of the income gains accrued to the top 1 percent of individuals.

(b) Sense of the Senate- It is the sense of the Senate that any agreement to reduce the budget deficit should require that those earning $1,000,000 or more per year make a more meaningful contribution to the deficit reduction effort.

One may remember that Mr. Johnson received ten million dollars in compensation from his company, Pacur, earlier this year. If Mr. Johnson voted for this bill, later he would have to vote to increase his own taxes (unless he flip-flops) since the bill says those making at least a million dollars should pay more taxes.

Ron Johnson is perfectly happy to vote to eliminate Medicare, but he won't even vote to agree on a motion to consider a non-binding resolution that says at some later time he'll vote to increase his own taxes. Mr. Johnson thinks the budget deficit is a big enough problem to halt all other Senate business, but he doesn't think it's a big enough problem to require a little bit more of his $10,000,000.00. He'd rather take money from the poor, elderly, disabled and from the programs every middle-class American pays for and counts on.

It's your big problem, not his.

All Real Democrats Defeat Fake Candidates in Recall Election Primaries

All of the real Democrats have defeated the fake candidates planted by the Republicans in the primaries for the recalls of the 6 Republicans set for August 9th.

The Republicans admitted to planting the fake Democrats in order to stall the recall elections for the 6 Republicans, giving more time to collect out-of-state money and run junk ads, as well as draining Democrat funds. This political stunt costs us taxpayers nearly half a million dollars, and it borders on election fraud. It may not be illegal, but it sure isn't ethical.

2nd Senate District

Nancy Nusbaum, D-De Pere - 65% (winner)

Republican fake - Otto Junkermann, D-Green Bay - 35%

100% reporting

8th Senate District

Rep. Sandy Pasch, D-Whitefish Bay - 64% (winner)

Republican fake - Gladys Huber, D-Mequon - 36%

97% reporting

10th Senate District

Shelly Moore, D-River Falls - 54% (winner)

Republican fake - Isaac Weix, D-Menomonie - 46%

97% reporting

14th Senate District

Rep. Fred Clark, D-Baraboo - 67% (winner)

Republican fake - Rol Church, D-Wautoma - 33%

98% reporting

18th Senate District

Jessica King, D-Oshkosh - 69% (winner)

Republican fake - John Buckstaff, D-Oshkosh - 31%

100% reporting

32nd Senate District

Rep. Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse - 70% (winner)

Republican fake - James Smith, D-La Crosse - 30%

100% reporting

The Republicans and tea party activists ran ads and sent out flyers and emails to aggressively Get Out The Vote for the fake Democrats, trying to defeat the real Democrats through voter confusion before the recall elections. So, in effect, these elections are test-runs of the recall elections on August 9th. These numbers should make the Republicans very scared, and I'm sure their internal polling reflects these results, which is why they're rushing to pass so many radical laws including the new redistricting plan (which redistricts-out Democrat recall candidates Fred Clark and Nancy Nusbaum - making it easier for the Republicans to win back their seats in 2012).

In fact, they've resorted to even more voter suppression with at least one conservative group caught calling registered Democratic voters to tell them they don't have to go and vote today (originally posted by WI Voices Heidi Herron).

Remember, you'll be asked to show your ID during the recall elections, but you don't have to. Don't show your ID during the recall elections in support of those who will find it difficult or impossible to vote in 2012 when IDs are required.

Updated: (10:35pm) Updated results.

All Real Democrats Ahead of Fake in Recall Election Primaries

The polls are closed in the Democratic primary for the recall of 6 Republicans, and the latest results from WisPolitics have all of the real Democrats ahead of the fake Democrats. The AP has called the races for real Democratic candidates Nancy Nusbaum in Senate District 2, Jennifer Shilling in Senate District 32, and Fred Clark in Senate District 14.

2nd Senate District
Nancy Nusbaum, D-De Pere - 65% (winner)
Republican fake - Otto Junkermann, D-Green Bay - 35%
72% reporting

8th Senate District
Rep. Sandy Pasch, D-Whitefish Bay - 65%
Republican fake - Gladys Huber, D-Mequon - 35%
70% reporting

10th Senate District
Shelly Moore, D-River Falls - 54%
Republican fake - Isaac Weix, D-Menomonie - 46%
84% reporting

14th Senate District
Rep. Fred Clark, D-Baraboo - 67% (winner)
Republican fake - Rol Church, D-Wautoma - 33%
93% reporting

18th Senate District
Jessica King, D-Oshkosh - 67%
Republican fake - John Buckstaff, D-Oshkosh - 33%
71% reporting

32nd Senate District
Rep. Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse - 70% (winner)
Republican fake - James Smith, D-La Crosse - 30%
83% reporting

The Republicans admitted to planting the fake Democrats in order to stall the recall elections for the 6 Republicans until August 9th, giving more time to collect out-of-state money and to run junk ads. This political stunt costs us taxpayers nearly half a million dollars, and it borders on election fraud. It may not be illegal, but it sure isn't ethical.

The Republicans and conservatives ran many ads and sent out emails to Get Out The Vote for the fake Democrats, trying to defeat the real Democrats through voter confusion before the real recall election. So, in effect, this election is a test-run of the real recall election in August 9th. These numbers should make the Republicans very scared, and I'm sure their internally polling reflects these results, which is why they're rushing to pass so many radical laws including the new redistricting plan.

In fact, one conservative group has been caught calling registered voters to tell them they don't have to go and vote today (originally posted by WI Voices Heidi Herron).

Updated: (9:26pm) Updated results with the call for Rep. Jennifer Shilling.

Updated: (9:35pm) Updated results with the call for Rep. Fred Clark.

Update: All of the real Democrats have defeated the fake candidates.

Last Space Shuttle Launch Ever: STS-135

Space shuttles have captivated the nation for 30 years, but today is the last day one of these space shuttles launch out of Earth's atmosphere. The STS-135 crew lifted off in space shuttle Atlantis from the Kennedy Space Center at 11:29 EDT.

MSNBC has a great time-lapse video of Atlantis' preparation for launch as well as other great videos of the flight.


The mission summary includes the flight timeline and information on the crew members.

NASA has a flight blog.

NASA TV has several videos and a live stream of the flight.

Ron Johnson Thinks The Budget Deficit Is Your Problem, Not His

Today, the U.S. Senate voted to consider a non-binding resolution (a bill that says something but does nothing) to say that the budget deficit should be fixed through shared sacrifice, not just on the backs of the poor and middle-class. The motion was agreed to with 74 yes votes, but Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin voted no.

Why would Ron Johnson vote against even considering the bill when so many Wisconsin families are struggling and all Johnson can talk about is holding up the Senate in order to reduce the deficit*? Even a majority of Republicans voted to consider the resolution. So why not Mr. Johnson?

A read of the very short bill (S. 1323) may provide some insight.

(a) Findings- Congress makes the following findings:

1. The Wall Street Journal reports that median pay for chief financial officers of S&P 500 companies increased 19 percent to $2,900,000 last year.
2. Over the past 10 years, the median family income has declined by more than $2,500.
3. Twenty percent of all income earned in the United States is earned by the top 1 percent of individuals.
4. Over the past quarter century, four-fifths of the income gains accrued to the top 1 percent of individuals.

(b) Sense of the Senate- It is the sense of the Senate that any agreement to reduce the budget deficit should require that those earning $1,000,000 or more per year make a more meaningful contribution to the deficit reduction effort.

This appears to be the critical sentence - "It is the sense of the Senate that any agreement to reduce the budget deficit should require that those earning $1,000,000 or more per year make a more meaningful contribution to the deficit reduction effort."

One may remember that Mr. Johnson received ten million dollars in compensation from his company, Pacur, earlier this year. If Mr. Johnson voted for this bill, later he would have to vote to increase his own taxes (unless he flip-flops) since the bill says those making at least a million dollars should pay more taxes.

Ron Johnson is perfectly happy to vote to eliminate Medicare, but he won't even vote to agree on a motion to consider a non-binding resolution that says at some later time he'll vote to increase his own taxes. Mr. Johnson thinks the budget deficit is a big enough problem to halt all other Senate business, but he doesn't think it's a big enough problem to require a little bit more of his $10,000,000.00. He'd rather take money from the poor, elderly, disabled and from the programs every middle-class American pays for and counts on.

It's your big problem, not his.

*The first effort Johnson's put forth is to further slow a Senate which is on track to be one of the least productive Senates in decades.

Supreme Court Justice David Prosser Possibly Under Investigation

Several credible sources have told the Wisconsin Public Radio and the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism that Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser is under investigation for allegedly grabbing Justice Ann Walsh Bradley around the neck during a recent meeting in her chambers. The physical altercation was witnessed by other justices in the room after Bradly had asked Prosser to leave.

The exact date that the altercation occurred isn't known, but it's believed to have taken place just prior to releasing the rapid and unusual decision that nullified a prior ruling that had blocked implementation of the collective bargaining rights-stripping bill.

According to the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, either the Capital Police and/or the Wisconsin Judicial Commission are investigating the incident. Although neither organization is confirming or denying, Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs met with the Supreme Court regarding the matter according to one of the sources.

Prosser has had prior incidents of rage with other justices, specifically calling Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson a "total bitch" in several emails and saying he would "destroy" her.

Prosser hasn't denied the allegation, which makes it seem even more plausible.

Is David Prosser really what Wisconsin considers worthy of the seat of Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice? Is this how we treat women? You've got to be kidding! If this allegation is true, Prosser must resign.

Walker Administration Says Convicted Felon Reflects What He's All About

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was planning to sign his radical budget in Green Bay this Sunday at a company whose CEO has been convicted of 8 counts of tax evasion. Walker's administration said that the company "reflects really what this budget and what Governor Walker's first term here is all about."

Exactly. Walker and the Republicans are all about the rich and powerful bending the rules for themselves and letting others' foot the bill. The company, Badger Sheet Metal Works, was hand-picked by the Walker administration, and they certainly picked the perfect company to trot out as an example of what their budget and policies are all about.

The irony hasn't evaded the local media, as even the Journal Sentinel is running a story (though with a completely unrelated story at the end about Democratic recall candidate Shelly Moore), and the Walker administration has moved the budget signing to another Green Bay company, Fox Valley Metal-Tech Inc.

The budget signing Sunday is still being closed to the public, as Walker doesn't want his photo-op ruined by truthful signs of protest. He'd rather the imagery make it appear as though he's working for Wisconsin's interests. Instead, protesters will be relegated to the other side of the street.

That hasn't stopped calls for protesters to come to Green Bay and show their support for Wisconsin education, beer and other ideals. In fact, while in the Fox Cities visiting my family and preparing to join the protest in Green Bay this Sunday, we received a phone call from an activist group asking us to join the protest. So, hopefully we can expect a good showing at the corporate photo-op.

It's time to rally the troops and head North!

Wisconsin Republicans Pass Budget So Fast That Errors Remain

Republicans in the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate were so concerned about getting their radical budget passed as quick as possible that they inadvertently left a few provisions that they had intended to remove. Or so they say.

Seriously?! They were that careless in crafting and voting for the budget that they voted for provisions that they didn't know were still there? Yup, because now they're begging Governor Walker to save them by removing those items with his veto.

So, what did the Republicans vote for that they didn't mean to vote for?

1. Expansion of independent charter schools to all counties, not just Milwaukee and Racine
2. Reduced disclosure of financials statements for legislators

I find it interesting that they just happened to forget to remove Item (2) which personally benefits the Republicans. It will be even more interesting to see if Walker vetoes this item. I don't have much hope for removing the first item, because Walker is dead-set on running Wisconsin's public school system into the ground in favor of private schools.

Other items the Republicans voted for but now want removed:

• Craft beer-killing provisions (fought heavily for by MillerCoors who is headquartered in Chicago)
• Legalize bail bondsmen
• Legalize auto title lenders
• Provisions allowing credit unions to convert to banks while taking members' assets
• Allow liquor licenses for movie theaters

Why vote for something if you don't want it to become law?

Thank God the Republicans are coming to their senses now, but where were these senses last week when Wisconsin needed them?

Rep. Peter Barca sent out an email asking Wisconsinites to send a citizen veto, where you can select which provisions you'd like Governor Walker to veto.

Dear Friend,

Governor Walker and his cronies in the state legislature hoped that by passing the state budget at 3 a.m. last Thursday that you would be asleep and that you wouldn't notice their attacks on Wisconsin's working families, seniors and schoolchildren.

But we are not sleeping and we are not going to stop fighting.

That's why I sent Governor Walker a veto letter today to urge him to veto some of the items that are so egregious that they undermine the core values of our state.

Will you join me in urging Governor Walker to veto items that attack Wisconsin's middle-class working families by sending your own citizen veto letter?

http://www.wisdems.org/citizenveto

We simply can't allow Governor Walker to sign a state budget that rewards the wealthy and elite with $2.3 billion in corporate loopholes and giveaways while raising taxes on our seniors and cutting $1.6 billion from our schoolchildren.

We need to send Governor Walker a clear message that our state budget is not his personal piggy bank -- it is Wisconsin's budget.

Please visit http://www.wisdems.org/citizenveto now to read my veto letter and to send your own.

With your help and support, we'll show Governor Walker that we'll never stop fighting for our shared Wisconsin values.

Thank you,

Rep. Peter Barca

We Were Right About Supreme Court Justice David Prosser

Prosser tried to deny it after he admitted it, but we were right about him when we believed he would rule against the rights of Wisconsinites. What we didn't expect is for his corporate loyalty to be so blatant and swift. It makes me think back to the recent election and the 14,000 votes that won Prosser the seat for another 10 years, and it begs the question, is Prosser paying someone back?

There were very serious issues with that election that aren't being properly investigated, particularly with the lack of publicly verifiable election machine integrity and accuracy, including, most troubling, ballot security issues. Given the closeness of the election, the seriousness of the issues, and now doubts as to Prosser's impartiality and prudence raised by Supreme Court Chief Justice Abrahamson, I believe the election deserves a proper and full investigation by a group unaffiliated with Wisconsin elections.

Yes, I realize I'm getting very close to tinfoil hat territory here, but what's important, whether something nefarious occurred in the election or not, is closing the wide gaps in the openness and security of our elections so there isn't a doubt in future elections. And this clearly won't happen unless we get serious about investigating and fixing these issues, as serious as the Republicans are about suppressing Wisconsin voters and stripping rights from Wisconsinites.

Kloppenburg enumerated some of the issues when she conceded the election. Of the most serious issues, more than 150 ballot bags were open or torn. Kloppenburg said,

"Waukesha County had twice as many torn, open or unsealed bags as every other county in the state combined. In many cases, municipal clerks in Waukesha testifed the bags weren't torn when they left cities, towns and villages. So the security breaches occurred sometime when the bags were in Waukesha County's custody."

However, there wasn't enough information to conclude whether something nefarious occurred or not. Hence the need for a full investigation and reform. We'll be in a lot more trouble if we're questioning the integrity of not just a Supreme Court election but also 9 Senate recall elections, which could likely happen if these serious issues aren't fixed before. Yet, there's been no response that I'm aware of to Kloppenburg's letter from the GAB.

The GAB can't properly investigate the election, because, at the very least, they wrote the software that caused Waukesha County Clerk Kathy Nickolaus's "human error." Notice how everyone is being careful to not call it what it is, a computer error. They definitely want us to believe the software had nothing to do with it, but that's wrong.

Besides software, the GAB works with and trains the very same people they are supposed to investigate. The GAB doesn't have the outsider's perspective required of a proper investigation. Plus, how can the GAB be trusted to fully investigate when the fault of many possible issues rests in their hands?

Also, the GAB is notoriously secretive. They need to change that behavior now, and although they improved a bit during the recount, it's another reason why they're not the right entity for investigating the election. Any investigation must be open and transparent, so we know exactly what's being investigated and how the conclusions were drawn. We haven't gotten that from the GAB.

The Democrats are even questioning the GAB's certification of the recall petitions for the 3 Democrats by filing a complaint in Dane County court to challenge the certifications. So, there's definitely enough doubt surrounding the GAB that it's clear they need to do some clean up of themselves and they're not fit for investigating the April 5th election.

We need to know our elections are truly open, clean and fair, and we must know before any more elections.

Who Are The Real Democrats In The Wisconsin Recall Elections?

The Republicans have planted fake Democrats in the recall elections of each of the 6 Republican senators up for recall. They're doing this to confuse voters and give themselves more time to collect out-of-state money, because it forces a Democratic primary on July 12th instead of a recall election, and moves the recall elections to August 9th (4 weeks later).

I didn't get much information when I asked Google, "Who are the real Democrats in the Wisconsin recall elections?" In fact, I got more information on who the fake Democrats are than who the real Democrats are. So, I figured it would be helpful to write a post with a little information on the real Democrats in the recall elections of the 6 Republican senators.

These are the real Democrats running in the recall of Republicans:

• Nancy Nusbaum - District 2 (Cowles)
• Sandy Pasch - District 8 (Darling)
• Shelly Moore - District 10 (Harsdorf)
• Fred Clark - District 14 (Olsen)
• Jessica King - District 18 (Hopper)
• Rep. Jennifer Shilling - District 32 (Kapanke)

You can donate to the real Democratic candidates on ActBlue.

Please, make sure you vote in the Democratic primaries on July 12th if you are in one of those districts. The Republicans are hoping and praying that their fake candidates win because we didn't show up for the primaries and their operatives did.

I also created a page of information on the recall elections which I will update as more information becomes available.

Remember, you do NOT need to show photo ID to vote in the recall elections. However, poll workers will ask to see your ID. Read this post for more information.