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.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
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):
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.
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: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.
(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.
- 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.
- Over the past 10 years, the median family income has declined by more than $2,500.
- Twenty percent of all income earned in the United States is earned by the top 1 percent of individuals.
- Over the past quarter century, four-fifths of the income gains accrued to the top 1 percent of individuals.
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.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, July 8, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
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.
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.
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: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."
(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.
- 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.
- Over the past 10 years, the median family income has declined by more than $2,500.
- Twenty percent of all income earned in the United States is earned by the top 1 percent of individuals.
- Over the past quarter century, four-fifths of the income gains accrued to the top 1 percent of individuals.
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.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
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.
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!
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?
Other items the Republicans voted for but now want removed:
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.
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?
- Expansion of independent charter schools to all counties, not just Milwaukee and Racine
- Reduced disclosure of financials statements for legislators
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
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
Friday, June 17, 2011
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,
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.
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:
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.
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)
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.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wisconsin Senate Republicans Pass Radical Budget Without Change
Late tonight, the Republicans in the Wisconsin Senate voted to pass the radical far-right budget passed by the Assembly Republicans very early this morning without change. As a Republican act of class warfare, the budget actually increases spending over the previous year, while taking millions in tax breaks from the middle-class and poor and giving them to corporations instead. All 8 amendments offered by the Democrats were rejected, and thus none of the Democrats voted for the budget.
The Democrats offered an amendment that would have restored collective bargaining rights to all workers in Wisconsin, not just employees of corporations. However, all of the Senate Republicans voted to reject the amendment and keep those rights out of the reach of most of our public workers, even though we know stripping those rights "doesn't save any" money.
Some of the changes that the Democrats tried to make in both the Assembly and Senate:
None of these changes were accepted. No changes were accepted. There was absolutely no collaboration or compromise from the Republicans.
Thanks to WisPolitics Budget Blog for detailing much of this information! (Senate Democrat Amendments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 - collective bargaining)
The Republicans aren't as fearful of the recall elections, because they've now passed just about every far-right and corporate wishlist item from the past 50 years. Let's make sure the Republicans get what's coming to them, and vote in the July 12 and 19 recall elections (if they're in your district).
Unfortunately, far fewer people have been showing up to protest all of these radical changes than showed up during ice and snow to protest. As Governor Walker signs the budget, we could really use one last massive protest to show the Republicans just how much Wisconsin is against their far-right ideals.
I'm putting my voice in for a protest this Saturday that we all must attend!
The Democrats offered an amendment that would have restored collective bargaining rights to all workers in Wisconsin, not just employees of corporations. However, all of the Senate Republicans voted to reject the amendment and keep those rights out of the reach of most of our public workers, even though we know stripping those rights "doesn't save any" money.
Some of the changes that the Democrats tried to make in both the Assembly and Senate:
- Increase investment in Wisconsin businesses through the Wisconsin Growth Fund
- Remove all WiscNet wording from the budget
- Remove tax increases on the poor and middle-class by removing the changes to the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Homestead Credit
- Remove the $50 reduction in unemployment benefits
- Remove changes to child labor laws that allow employers to make children work more hours during school (more than 40 if they're over 16)
- Increase public school funding by $365 million and remove expansion of the choice program
- Restore funding for gifted and talented programs and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) grants
- Fund the Wisconsin GI Bill and increase financial aid when tuition increases
- Require the state to continue operating the SeniorCare program
- Remove the enrollment cap on the FamilyCare program
- Prohibit the administration from making changes to BadgerCare without legislative approval
- Restore funding for services such as fire, police and garbage collection
- Remove the significant weakening of rules on payday loans that also allow auto title loans in Wisconsin again
- Restore funding for recycling
None of these changes were accepted. No changes were accepted. There was absolutely no collaboration or compromise from the Republicans.
Thanks to WisPolitics Budget Blog for detailing much of this information! (Senate Democrat Amendments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 - collective bargaining)
The Republicans aren't as fearful of the recall elections, because they've now passed just about every far-right and corporate wishlist item from the past 50 years. Let's make sure the Republicans get what's coming to them, and vote in the July 12 and 19 recall elections (if they're in your district).
Unfortunately, far fewer people have been showing up to protest all of these radical changes than showed up during ice and snow to protest. As Governor Walker signs the budget, we could really use one last massive protest to show the Republicans just how much Wisconsin is against their far-right ideals.
I'm putting my voice in for a protest this Saturday that we all must attend!
On WiscNet, Republicans Cry "Please Don't Call Us Anymore"
Ars Technica, a technology news website, chronicled the swift change in Republican plans for WiscNet from Monday to Wednesday, resulting from the massive public outcry. UW-Madison economic development professor Andy Lewis told Ars that "Legislators said, 'please don't call us anymore.'" In fact, a previous Ars article and another technology news website, Slashdot, were instrumental in quickly spreading momentum against the changes.
As of Monday, WiscNet, Wisconsin's research and education network that provides high-quality Internet access to most of Wisconsin's schools and universities, was set to be killed in the budget passed early this morning. AT&T would take over the services provided by WiscNet, at higher cost and (as many of us experience at home) low quality. The reason, AT&T feels that WiscNet and UW-Madison directly and unfairly competes with it, but really, all AT&T wanted was another corporate handout.
The changes would have kept UW-Madison from participating in the ultra-fast research network called Internet2. Without such access, UW-Madison would not be able to compete as one of the world's top research universities. The changes also would have made WiscNet return the $30 million federal grant that it was awarded in 2010 to lay more fiber optic cable, something AT&T has been unwilling to do much of in Wisconsin even though their competitor Verizon is rolling out fiber to people's homes in its markets.
Thankfully, Wisconsin and the Internet and educational communities stood up against corporate influence by the thousands. So, many of these changes were removed before the budget was passed, but WiscNet is still on the Joint Finance Committee's chopping block for 2013.
This shows that we can reduce the influence that big companies such as AT&T have. We just all need to make sure we're voicing our opinions.
Don't forget The People vs. Scott Walker Capitol rally today noon - 6:30pm!
As of Monday, WiscNet, Wisconsin's research and education network that provides high-quality Internet access to most of Wisconsin's schools and universities, was set to be killed in the budget passed early this morning. AT&T would take over the services provided by WiscNet, at higher cost and (as many of us experience at home) low quality. The reason, AT&T feels that WiscNet and UW-Madison directly and unfairly competes with it, but really, all AT&T wanted was another corporate handout.
The changes would have kept UW-Madison from participating in the ultra-fast research network called Internet2. Without such access, UW-Madison would not be able to compete as one of the world's top research universities. The changes also would have made WiscNet return the $30 million federal grant that it was awarded in 2010 to lay more fiber optic cable, something AT&T has been unwilling to do much of in Wisconsin even though their competitor Verizon is rolling out fiber to people's homes in its markets.
Thankfully, Wisconsin and the Internet and educational communities stood up against corporate influence by the thousands. So, many of these changes were removed before the budget was passed, but WiscNet is still on the Joint Finance Committee's chopping block for 2013.
This shows that we can reduce the influence that big companies such as AT&T have. We just all need to make sure we're voicing our opinions.
Don't forget The People vs. Scott Walker Capitol rally today noon - 6:30pm!
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