Your Tax Dollars at Work (Thanks to J. B. Van Hollen Not Doing His Job)

Wisconsin legislator settles open records lawsuit. (Marshfield News-Record, 3/28/2014)

Lame, just plain lame, Sen. Vukmir. Under a settlement finalized Friday, CMD [Center for Media and Democracy] agreed to drop the lawsuit and Vukmir agreed to turn over all the documents related to CMD's request. She said in a statement that multiple searches have yielded more records that didn't come to light initially due to problems with a Yahoo email search.

The documents in question are from an American Legislative Exchange Council conference that Vukmir attended last year.

The State of Wisconsin is covering Leah's ass court costs ($12,500) and damages ($2,500).

Related posts:
Wisconsin headline? No, the Ohio legislature also approved model voter suppression legislation from ALEC.  (3/14/2014)
And the hypocrisy just keeps on coming: Republicans can't even give lip service to their "principles".  (2/14/2014)
Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald sez "no" to 40 of his Assembly colleagues.  (12/30/2013)
Your Wisconsin Republican Assembly hard at work promoting Governor Walker's jobs agenda (and GOP principles).  (11/15/2013)
Mary Lazich: Caught in the act of undermining confidence in the voting process.  (11/4/2013) 
The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement asks a question about voter ID laws.  (11/28/2012)
Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) still drinking the Kool-Aid.  (11/12/2012)
Tennessee Supreme Court gives Memphis Public Library cards a thumbs up for voter ID.  (11/4/2012)
Tennessee Court of Appeals ruling pisses off Republicans.  (10/27/2012)
Early voting begins today (Monday, October 22) in Wisconsin.  (10/22/2012)
Judge finds at least one aspect of Tennessee voter ID law "nonsensical".  (8/1/2012)
Judge to weigh in on library cards in Memphis voter ID skirmish.  (7/30/2012)
Library card/voter ID fray in Memphis.  (7/10/2012)
I'd be careful making any long-term Voter ID assessments based on the February 21 primary election turnout.  (2/26/2012)
Hope you signed at least one recall petition, Ruthelle.  (12/5/2011)
True, but why not share a couple of examples with us, Deborah.  (11/11/2011)
Hoping that other state newspapers have similar local news to share.  (10/29/2011)
Walker sez "We're broke" but GAB could spend $600,000 on voter ID public education plan.  (10/12/2011)
ACLU of Wisconsin denounces photo ID policy reversal.  (10/7/2011)
Voter ID:  "A solution without a problem".  (9/25/2011)
Wisconsin State Bar's Civil Rights Section requests AG Holder to monitor Voter ID Bill.  (9/1/2011)

League of Wisconsin Voters challenge voter ID laws as unconstitutional.  (8/22/2011)

What's the matter with Wisconsin?  (7/27/2011)
Wisconsin Legislative Council information memorandum.  (7/15/2011)
Appleton Alderman Wants Pushback on State Voter ID Bill.  (2/7/2011)

Voter ID in Wisconsin:  A bill and a constitution amendment.  (1/13/2011)

While Mary Burke Campaigns for Governor, Scott Walker Continues to Run for President

Potential candidates hoping to hit it big in Las Vegas. (CNN, 3/27/2014)

Paying obeisance.  The host for the weekend activities is Republican mega-donor Sheldon Adelson, owner of the Venetian Casino where the meeting is taking place, and active in the Republican Jewish Coalition. Adelson and his wife gave $93 million to various groups and candidates in the 2012 election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, making them the biggest individuals financiers of outside groups,

Speaking at this event:  Former Florida governor Jeb Bush and current governors Chris Christie of New Jersey, John Kasich of Ohio......

.......and our very own Scott Walker.

Why is this man smiling?



Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Wisconsin 69, Baylor 52: Must Have Been Quite the Eye-Opener for Cody Last Night

2014 NCAA Tournament: 5 Reasons Baylor Will Upset Wisconsin in the Sweet Sixteen.  (RantSports, 3/26/2014)

So you limit Traevon Jackson.  Big deal.  There are 4 other starters who can be a scoring threat, as the following column graph indicates.

Why Some of Those 8 Reasons Baylor Will Advance Didn't Work Out

Sweet 16 reasons: Eight reasons why Baylor will, won’t advance to the Elite Eight.    (SportsDayDFW, 3/27/2014)

 

Final score:  Wisconsin 69, Baylor 52.

Two-Term State Assembly Rep Considers Run Against Career U.S. House Rep

Photo credits:

Petri (U.S. Congress)

Stroebel (Wisconsin State Legislature)

GOP assemblyman says he may run against Petri. (Appleton Post Crescent, 3/27/2014)

35 years and counting.   Petri, who was first elected to represent Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in 1979, will run in his 17th election this fall.

Tom Petri won a special election to the U.S. House of Representatives in April 1979 and has been re-elected ever since.

1. April 1979
2. November 1980
3. November 1982
4. November 1984
5. November 1986
6. November 1988
7. November 1990
8. November 1992
9. November 1994
10. November 1996
11. November 1998
12. November 2000
13. November 2002
14. November 2004
15. November 2006
16. November 2008
17. November 2010
18. November 2012
19. November 2014

I count 19 elections.

They Are All Athletes, They All Have Skills on the Court

No. 2 seed Wisconsin eases by No. 6 Baylor in Sweet 16.  (ESPN, 3/27/2014)

Related post:
The athleticism echo chamber.  (3/27/2014)
When marveling Over athleticism, they mean the team other than Wisconsin has more black players \on its basketball team.  (3/25/2014)

The Athleticism Echo Chamber

Miles's quote is from Badgers men's basketball: Nebraska coach Tim Miles admires Baylor's length, athleticism.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 3/25/2014)

Paris's quote is from Badgers men's basketball: Baylor has height in abundance.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 3/27/2014)

Related post:
When marveling Over athleticism, they mean the team other than Wisconsin has more black players \on its basketball team.  (3/25/2014)

Scott Walker Has Also Accepted a "Tens of Thousands" Campaign Donation from Sheldon Adelson

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Seeking to Ban Online Betting, G.O.P. Donor Tests Influence. (The New York Times, 3/28/2014)

Bought and paid for.   Mr. Adelson’s effort officially kicked off on Wednesday, when lawmakers, including a senator, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who has accepted tens of thousands of dollars in donations from the businessman and his family, introduced legislation originally drafted with Mr. Adelson’s lobbyist.

Related post:
The Plutocracy report: Billionaire Sheldon Adelson narrows the Republican Presidential field for the minions.  (9/16/2013)

The Sussex-Lisbon Library Dispute Continues

Lisbon wants Sussex in library dispute. (Sussex Sun, 3/25/2014)

Here's the lede. The Town Board's lawyer has filed a new court action seeking to drag the Village of Sussex into the legal battle between the town and the Pauline Haass Library Board over "control and custody" of 65 acres of farmland that the late widow willed to the town for library purposes. 

Sussex village trustees were expected to make a decision this week — behind closed doors — on how to respond to the town's legal maneuver, which is intended to force the village into joining mediation sessions between the town and Library Board over settlement of the legal dispute. 

Village officials have consistently argued that they should have no role in the legal battle because it involves land over which the village has no control.

Related articles: 
Differing opinions on the future of the library.  (3/3/2014)
Dissolution, "from Latin dissolutionem (nominative dissolutio) "a dissolving, destroying, interruption..."  (1/29/2014)
Getting out of joint?  (1/10/2014)
Pauline Haass library board 1, Town of Lisbon 0.  (1/3/2014)
Pauline Haass Public Library considers the cost of litigation.  (11/27/2013)
Sussex/Lisbon: Mediation fails, time to go to court.  (10/23/2013)
Town of Lisbon agrees to nonbinding arbitration with Pauline Haass.  (10/19/2013)
An uncertain funding picture for the Pauline Haass Public Library.  (10/11/2013)
This land is my land, this land is my land.  (9/12/2013)
Sussex-Lisbon library agreement still appears to be more "if" Than "when".  (8/22/2013) 
Still following the Sussex-Lisbon library talks -- since 2010.  (8/6/2013) 
Following a brouhaha over a "most objectionable 3-page letter," library talks to resume between Sussex and Lisbon.  (5/27/2013)
A most objectionable 3-page letter.  (5/10/2013)
Dear Greg; Love, Lisbon Town Board.  (4/27/2013)
Perhaps Pauline Haass is spinning in her grave.  (3/18/2013)
What a long strange trip it's been.  (2/13/2012)
Dueling news releases.  (10/7/2012)
Town of Lisbon wants deep discount in payment for library services.  (9/30/2012)
As the world of joint library agreements turns.  (8/22/2012)
The beat goes on.  (7/2/2012)
Joint library negotiations continue.  (5/13/2012)
Jane Stadler on Paying Taxes: "...it is something that you do because you're part of the community.  (11/26/2011)
Lisbon town chair not likely to get his way on Pauline Haass Library funding. (11/22/2011)
Lisbon Town chair advocates paying for library services on the cheap.  (11/22/2011)
The challenges of shared governance and funding.  (9/28/2011)
Consensus building for new joint library agreement.  (7/22/2011)
Sussex, Lisbon:  Local politics and library negotiations.  (5/28/2011)
Negotiation to continue after information-gathering process.  (10/8/2010)
And the beat goes on.  (10/4/2010)
Differences of opinion of library funding continue.  (9/18/2010)
Leaders of Village of Sussex, Town of Lisbon clash over funding for library. (8/26/2010)
Will annexation resolution interfere with negotiations over joint library agreement?  (8/4/2010)
Proposal to change library funding formula gets cool reception.  (6/7/2010)
Town of Lisbon Chairman proposes new funding formula for library.  (5/31/2010)

Dane County Tallies 39% of State's Population Growth Since 2010

Many rural Wisconsin counties lost population since 2010. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/26/2014)

Dane County, the brightest light.  Dane County's population grew the fastest and by the widest margin, increasing by 20,926 people — 4.3% — to 509,939.

Related posts:
Wisconsin's fastest growing counties by percentage (2010-2040).  (3/16/2014)
2013 Wisconsin population estimates: 23 of 72  counties experience a decline.  (3/16/2014)

Saputo, Contributors to Scott Walker and Brett Davis, Shuttering Its New London Facility

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Saputo to close 4 facilities, including New London plant. (Appleton Post Crescent, 3/26/2014)

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye to 67 hourly and 11 salaried New London jobs. Saputo produces, markets and distributes a wide array of dairy products, including cheese, milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream products, cultured products and dairy ingredients. Its products are sold in more than 40 countries.

You remember Brett Davis, don't you.  He was Scott Walker's preferred candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

Walker's campaign staff had a very low opinion of Rebecca Kleefisch, our current Lt. Gov., which can be summed up in the following quote from the John Doe emails: "YUK.... I cannot see how anyone can take this woman seriously."

Where are the Cigarette Smokers in Wisconsin?

Counties where more than 25% of men and women smoke cigarettes.

Source:  Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation

R U Surprised? Same Wisconsin Counties Rank 1st and Last in Health and Per Capita Income

Ozaukee County Tops Annual Wisconsin Health Ranking. (Wisconsin Public Radio News, 3/26/2014)

 

Wisconsin Counties Ranked by Per Capita Income

Smoking Cigarettes and Voting Against Their Own Interests in Clay County, Kentucky

In New Economic Divide, the Poor Smoke More.  (The New York Times, 3/24/2014)

Curiously, the online headline was considerably changed.  Smoking Proves Hard to Shake Among the Poor.

Clay County, Kentucky.   Clay County, where just 7 percent of residents have a college degree and the poverty rate is double the nation’s, is trying. Manchester, the county seat, a small cluster of gas stations, municipal buildings and fast-food restaurants, banned smoking in restaurants, stores and bars in 2012. The hospital runs a smoking cessation program that offers free nicotine patches and gum in an effort to reach low-income smokers.

RED ALERT (2012 Presidential election results for Clay County)

ABC News and Disney: No Surprises in This Headline

The New York Times, 3/24/2014

 

After all, ABC is one of Disney's farm teams.

Related post:
The consolidation of American media and the growth of dark money. (3/25/2014)

Meet Joni Ernst, Who Grew Castrating Hogs on a Iowa Farm

Source:  Open the books

(For the years 2008-2012)

It's not as catchy, but Joni would be better off talking about hog feces.

New swine virus sweeps U.S., slashing supplies and raising prices.  (Des Moines Register, 3/16/2014)

Will there be a call for federal assistance?  So far, producers in 26 states have reported infected herds with the highly contagious porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, known as PEDv. The virus is fatal to piglets. In less than a year, losses are estimated at 5 million.

Related reading:
Hog Wild: Factory Farms Are Poisoning Iowa's Drinking Water.  (Mother Jones, 3/21/2014)

Scott Walker Toots the Horn of Success

Quote citation.  Exclusive interview: Gov. Scott Walker's limited government pragmatism. (Washington Examiner, 3/24/2014)

SUCCESS!!

SUCCESS!!

Source: Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau

Related reading:

The Debtor Governor.  (Urban Milwaukee, 9/10/2013)

SUCCESS!!

One of Walker's priorities in his 2011-13 budget.  Wisconsin reduced state aid designed to equalize funding across school districts by $740 million over the coming two-year budget cycle, a cut of 8 percent. The budget also reduces K–12 funds for services for at-risk children, school nursing, and alternative education.

Related reading:
Letters to the editor: State leaders put schools on starvation diet,  (Oshkosh Northwestern, 3/21/2014)
Making Matters Worse: School Funding, Achievement Gaps and Poverty under Wisconsin Act 32, by James J. Shaw and Carolyn Kelley.  (5/4/2012)
Cash-strapped Wisconsin school district brace for Walker's second budget proposal.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 1/27/2013)

The Washington Examiner Offers a Boost to Scott Walker Presidential Campaign Without a Hint of Irony

Exclusive interview: Gov. Scott Walker's limited government pragmatism. (Washington Examiner, 3/24/2014)

Sitting down with a champion of local control. The Washington Examiner spoke to Walker recently, and he offered his thoughts on how Republicans could stand on principle while advancing a reform agenda. The wide-ranging interview also delved into his upcoming re-election; the politics of Obamacare; his approach to the Medicaid expansion; and his views on America's role in the world.

Danger, Will Robinson.  It's instructive that Walker mentions advice given to him by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah).  Get a load of the man's scorecard.

• Club for Growth a lifetime score of 100%.  (Which puts him in the company of Ted Cruz.)
• American Conservative Union.  100% in 2013.  (Along with Tom Coburn and Ted Cruz.)
• Heritage Foundation.  100% in 2013.  (The only perfect score in the U.S. Senate.)

Janet Vavala Smith (1950-2014) Warren Area High School Class of 1968

Warren Times Observer obituary

Warren Area High School 1968 Dragon yearbook

Also on the page.   Gary Tuller gave me a ride to school every morning during senior year in his red VW bug.  As soon as I opened the passenger door, my nose was assaulted by Gary's excess application of English Leather.

The #1 song when the class of '68 graduated.

When Marveling Over Athleticism, They Mean The Team Other Than Wisconsin Has More Black Players On Its Basketball Team

A double dose of athleticism.

Capital Times, 3/25/2014

  

Speaking in code.  After the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team defeated Oregon Saturday night in the third round of the NCAA tournament, a sports columnist for the Oregonian newspaper had some harsh words for his hometown team.

But in order to rip his local team, John Canzano belittled the athleticism of the Badgers players.

Wisconsin State Journal, 3/25/2014

'Natural athletes' vs. 'hard workers'.  (The McGill Daily, 11/12/2012)

Double down on your stereotypes.  With this mind, it's probably not a good idea to use "athleticism" and "length" in the same sentence.  Hell, during the same interview.

Baylor (page 4)
Wisconsin

Let's Do an ID Update on This Townhall Straw Poll

Townhall straw poll

Meet Mary Pilcher-Cook and View the Bills She Sponsors

Photo source:  Kansas Legislature

Kansas May Force Doctors To Report Women’s Miscarriages To The State Health Department..  (Think Progress, 3/24/2014)

Some might call her obsessed; some might once again ask, "What's the matter with Kansas?"  But Pilcher-Cook frequently wades into these issues. The lawmaker has also attempted to outlaw surrogacy, weaken the state’s sex ed requirements, levy a sales tax on abortion procedures, and prevent the state’s abortion restrictions from including exceptions for rape and incest. She once pushed for a mandatory ultrasound bill on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade by performing live sonograms on the Senate floor. It’s perhaps unsurprising that she’s turning her attention to a first-of-its-kind state law to regulate women’s miscarriages.

Your State Tax Dollars At Work (to Keep Walker's Base Happy)

Judge denies state motion to stay marriage amendment case.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 3/24/2014) \

It's going to be one of the election issues that defines you, Scott.  Eight same-sex couples sued Gov. Scott Walker, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and other officials in February, challenging the constitutionality of the 2006 amendment that defines marriage as being between one man and one woman. 

On March 14, the state filed a motion asking that the case be stayed until the state Supreme Court issues a ruling in a case involving the state domestic partnership registry, or that the court abstain from hearing the case.

Mary Burke for Wisconsin

The Consolidation of American Media and the Growth of Dark Money

opensecrets.org

At Least 1 in 4 Dark Money Dollars in 2012 Had Koch Links.  (Open Secrets, 12/3/2013)

Koch Brothers Respond To Report On Freedom Partners, Their New Political Organization.  (Huffington Post, 9/12/2013)

TC4 Trust

The "free markets" designation is code for plutocrats  having their way with us.

Why The Democrats' Koch Brothers Fixation?  (NPR, 3/24/2014)

The more important question:  Why is American media so indifferent to investigation dark m money?

Their hands are tied, their lips are sealed.  These 6 Corporations Control 90% Of The Media In America.  (Business Insider, 6/14/2012)

Scott Walker Speaks of "Big Government" Without a Hint of Irony

Our view. State Legislature should stop messing with local control.   (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2/16/2014)

Scott Walker and the Buttinskis.  From residency rules to transportation to voting, these Republicans are eager to impose their will and vision on local governments across the state, regardless of how local representatives and citizens feel. One more example comes in the form of a bill introduced by Rep. Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) to prohibit local municipalities from enforcing local minimum wage laws when any state money is used to pay the workers.

Related posts:
Wisconsin Assembly Dems who need to vote with the NRA to protect their re-election chances.  (3/22/2014)
Republican Hypocrisy: The "Hits" to Local Control Just Keep on Coming.  (2/28/2014)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorial board calls out Republican hypocrisy.  (2/17/2014)
And the hypocrisy just keeps on coming: Republicans can't even give lip service to their "Principles". (2/14/2014)
Yet another lesson in Republican hypocrisy.  (2/13/2014)
Another lesson in hypocrisy: Wisconsin Republicans disparage Mary Burke for her wealth.  (1/31/2014)
A lesson in hypocrisy, Waukesha County edition.  (1/29/2014)
Your Wisconsin Republican Assembly hard at work promoting Governor Walker's jobs agenda (and GOP principles).  (11/15/2013)

Scott Walker Signs Tax Cut Bill, Sends Out Fundraising Appeal

Walker links tax cut bill signing, fundraising email. (Eau Claire Leader Telegram, 3/24/2014)

Yeah, me!!!  And he toots his own horn on Facebook.

Paper Shredding Appears to be a Common Library Fundraising Event

Google search

Here's A Fun Little Time-Waster: Graph TV

Graph imdb ratings of your favorite TV shows.

Welcome to old school TV.

 

Meet the Delusional Larry Ward

Have you seen Steve Stockman?  (Hispanic Business, 1/23/2014)

  

John Cornyn crushes Steve Stockman. (Politico, 3/4/2013)

Ballotpedia

The unhinged Steve Stockman.  Best known for his Obama barf bag.

Who Will Run in the 97th Assembly District Now That Bill Kramer is Not Running for Re-Election

Rep. Bill Kramer, accused of groping aide, won't seek re-election.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/24/2014)

Not in the AP style guide.  For the time being, all "Bill Kramer" headlines must include the word "groping".  

Public library in the 97th Assembly District
Waukesha Public Library

Academic library
Todd Wehr Memorial Library, Carroll University, .Waukesha

Other 2014 election posts:
26th Assembly District.  (3/24/2014)
37th Assembly District rematch.  (2/27/2014)
87th Assembly District.  (2/17/2014)
Todd Novak, Dodgeville Mayor, Running for 51st Assembly seat.  (2/17/2014)
88th Assembly District.  (2/17/2014)
58th Assembly District.  (2/10/2014)
81st Assembly District.  (2/7/2014)
17th Senate District.  (1/27/2014)
59th Assembly District.  (1/18/2014)
1st Assembly District.  (12/13/2013)
Candidate scorecard for the 2014 Wisconsin Attorney General's race.  (12/8/2013)
22nd Assembly District.  11/21/2013)
17 Senate District.  (11/7/2013)
19th Assembly District.  (11/7/2013)
9th State Senate District. (10/23/2013)
15th State Senate District.  (10/10/2013)
Wisconsin Attorney General in 2014: Waukesha County DA Brad Schimel.  (10/10/2013
25th State Senate District.  (10/9/2013)