Saturday, November 15, 2014

Welcome Crabfans


Where we picked up 3 dozens crabs to share among 7 people after returning to Maryland after the Rutgers-Wisconsin football game.  I have to admit it's a lot of work to get at so little meat.  It's the first time I sat around a dining table covered with paper bags.

 
Front of menu

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The Former Home of Sweet's Food Shop in Madison, Wisconsin


 354 West Main Street, Madison, Wisconsin

You'll see the former corner grocery store at 0:10.



And here's a great shot from the Wisconsin Historical Society's collection.
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Scramble Square Solution

Andy's cousin -- high-school-aged, hyper-competitive, and female --  insisted that he wouldn't be able to match up the 9 Scramble Squares in this particular design, which only served to reinforce his determination to do so.

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5th Quarter, High Point Solutions Statium, Rutgers University

After a 37-0 shellacking by the Wisconsin Badgers.

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The Shelf Life of Scott Walker

Scott Walker could be 'called' to presidential run 'two, six, 12 years from now'. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11/15/2014)

Not exactly Mr. Clear and Concise in the interview answer department.


Yes, folks, Scott Walker is looking to extend his career politician resume beyond the 2+ decades he's already accumulated.  Aren't we blessed?!
  • Wisconsin State Assembly, 1993-2002
  • Milwaukee County Executive, 2002-2010
  • Governor of Wisconsin, 2010-
  •  
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Alcohol Gives People a False Sense of Confidence

It's another edition of Headline News, folks. 


And then there's the whole issue of balance.

My guess is that this guy is stone cold sober.

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After the Election, Scott Walker Begins to Share the Specifics of Moving Wisconsin Forward

DOT: New fees, tax hikes totaling $750 million needed for roads. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11/14/2014)



The day after the election.

2015-17 legislative session:
Republican legislative agenda as reported  by the Journal Sentinel.  (11/10/2014)
Continuing to bend over for the Koch Brothers is a different position?  (11/10/2014)
Dear Senator Fitzgerald:  Better for whom?  (11/7/2014)
Wisconsin's Republican legislative leaders say "meh" to job creation.  (11/7/2014) 
Meet Mary "No Theatrics Here" Lazich, newly elected Wisconsin State Senate President.  (11/7/2014) 
A giddy Robin Vos announces his legislative agenda.  (11/5/2014)
Take note as the arrogant, selfish Scott Walker contradicts himself.  (11/5/2014)
Scott Walker keeps a promise not to make a promise.  (11/5/2014)
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Bayfield County: Public Access Internet Computers (1999-2013) and Print Serial Subscriptions (1996-2013)


2010 population:  15,014

 Public libraries in Bayfield County:

This line-graph series is the result of my wondering if there's any pattern to the number of print serial subscriptions held by public libraries in relation to the increasing number of public access Internet computers provided by public libraries since 1999. (Earliest year for which Wisconsin statistics are available.)


Note: The 1996, 1997, 1998 Wisconsin public library annual reports asked for the following information: Libraries with Internet access. (Answered yes or no.) Libraries with electronic services. (Answered yes or no.) In 1999, public libraries reported the number of public access Internet computers for the first time in the annual report.



Percentage change in print serial subscriptions from 1996-2013:  106%.



Related article:
Building Strong Libraries Program 2014.  (Bayfield County Times, November 2013)

Other posts in series
(with percentage change in print serial subscriptions from peak year)
Adams County, -35.6%.  (11/12/2014)
Ashland County, -1.3%.  (11/13/2014)
Barron County, -18.5%.  (11/14/2014)
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Public Library Circulation and Circulation per Capita: New Hampshire (1990-2011)




Perhaps I need to check all the math.  The 2011 IMLS report shows that New Hampshire's per capita circulation jumped to 11.7   The actual circulation numbers presented in the 1st line graph do not support this.

The revised figure, 8.7, was calculated when I divided an estimated 2011 population (1,318,500) into the year's circulation total,  I'll admit that this was the first time a red flag was raised with a simple visual inspection in this series,.

Source:  Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries in the United States Survey (1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2011)

 For more information:
New Hampshire State Library.  Public Library Statistics.
Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA):  New Hampshire.

New Hampshire's state library agency is in the "Department of Cultural Resources" category. 






Top 5 states, percentage increase in library circulation (1990-2011) at this point in the alphabet:
  1. Nevada 288%
  2. Colorado 205%
  3. Idaho 157%
  4. Florida 142%
  5. Arizona 139%
Bottom 5 states, percentage increase in library circulation (1990-2011) at this point in the alphabet:
  1. Mississippi 10.2%
  2. Hawaii 11.8% 
  3. Louisiana 15.9%
  4. Alabama 28.1%
  5. Iowa 30.8%

Top 5 states, per capita library circulation (2011) at this point in the alphabet:
  1. Indiana 13.6
  2. Colorado 13.0
  3. Minnesota 11.1
  4. Kansas 11.0
  5. Idaho 10.9
 Bottom 5 states, per capita library circulation (2011) at this point in the alphabet:
  1. Mississippi 2.9
  2. Louisiana 4.41
  3. Alabama 4.42
  4. Georgia 4.5
  5. Hawaii 5.1

Related posts:  State, % circulation increase 1990-2011.
Alabama, 28.1%.  (10/18/2014) 
Alaska, 48.3%.  (10/19/2014)
Arizona, 139%.  (10/20/2014)
Arkansas, 70.1%.  (10/21/2014)
California, 66.9%.  (10/22/2014)
Colorado, 205%.  (10/23/2014)
Connecticut, 46.3%.  (10/24/2014)
Delaware, 104%.    (10/25/2014)
Florida, 142%.  (10/26/2014)
Georgia, 87.0%.  (10/27/2014)
Hawaii, 11.8%.  (10/28/2014)
Idaho, 157%.  (10/29/2014)
Illinois, 105%.  (10/30/2014)
Indiana, 75.6%.  (10/31/2014)
Iowa, 30.8%.  (11/1/2014)
Kansas, 62.7%.  (11/2/2014)
Kentucky, 69.5%.  (11/3/2014)
Louisiana, 15.9%.  (11/4/2014)
Maine, 40.5%.   (11/5/2014)
Maryland, 30.9%.  (11/6/2014)
Massachusetts, 75.3%.  (11/7/2014)
Michigan, 101%.  (11/8/2014)
Minnesota, 49.6%  (11/9/2014)
Mississippi, 10.2%.  (11/10/2014)
Missouri, 78.2%.  (11/11/2014)
Montana, 84.3%.  (11/12/2014)
Nebraska, 89.4%.  (11/13/2014)
Nevada, 288%.  (11/14/2015)
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Friday, November 14, 2014

In 1904

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No Friend to the Environment: Republican Representative Spencer Bachus, Alabama's 6th Congressional District

Photo source:  U.S. Congress
Text source:  League of Conservation Voters

Bachus did not run for re-election.  He served 11 terms in the House.

No Friend to the Environment dishonor roll.

Alabama Congressional delegation:  U.S. House of Representatives.   (Their anti-environmentalism can be summed up in one word:  coal.  Which is odd, since Alabama contributes a mere 1.9% of U.S. production, good enough for an overall ranking of 13.  The state's peak year of production:  1990)

  1. Bradley Byrne (R).  Proposed an amendment that would have cut all FY 2015 funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. 
  2. Martha Roby (R).   Voted YES on opening Outer Continental Shelf to oil drilling and barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. Signed the No Climate Tax Pledge by Americans for Prosperity.
  3. Mike Rogers (R).   League of Conservation scorecard: 2013: 0%.  Lifetime (2003-): 9%. 
  4. Robert Aderholt (R).  Without bothering to fact-check, he uses a discredited petition rejecting climate change to make a point. 
  5. Mo Brooke (R).  Climate Experts Testify that Climate Change Projections are Unreliable and Misleading.

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No Friend to the Environment: Republican Representative Mo Brooks, Alabama's 5th Congressional District


Photo source:  U.S. Congress
No Friend to the Environment dishonor roll.

Alabama Congressional delegation:  U.S. House of Representatives.   (Their anti-environmentalism can be summed up in one word:  coal.  Which is odd, since Alabama contributes a mere 1.9% of U.S. production, good enough for an overall ranking of 13.  The state's peak year of production:  1990)

  1. Bradley Byrne (R).  Proposed an amendment that would have cut all FY 2015 funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. 
  2. Martha Roby (R).   Voted YES on opening Outer Continental Shelf to oil drilling and barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. Signed the No Climate Tax Pledge by Americans for Prosperity.
  3. Mike Rogers (R).   League of Conservation scorecard: 2013: 0%.  Lifetime (2003-): 9%. 
  4. Robert Aderholt (R).  Without bothering to fact-check, he uses a discredited petition rejecting climate change to make a point. 

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No Friend to the Environment: Republican Representative Robert Aderholt, Alabama's 4th Congressional District

Photo source:  U.S. Congress
Text source:  The Daily Mountain Eagle.
Climate change:  Don't place the cart ahead of the horse 

About that petition....

In fact, OISM signatories represent a tiny fraction (~0.3%) of all US science graduates (petition cards were only sent to individuals within the U.S).

According to figures from the US Department of Education Digest of Education Statistics: 2008, 10.6 million science graduates have gained qualifications consistent with the OISM polling criteria since the 1970-71 school year. 32,000 out of 10 million is not a very compelling figure, but a tiny minority - approximately 0.3 per cent.

"Scientists" is used very loosely, in other words.

No Friend to the Environment dishonor roll.

Alabama Congressional delegation:  U.S. House of Representatives
  1. Bradley Byrne (R).  Proposed an amendment that would have cut all FY 2015 funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. 
  2. Martha Roby (R).   Voted YES on opening Outer Continental Shelf to oil drilling and barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. Signed the No Climate Tax Pledge by Americans for Prosperity.
  3. Mike Rogers (R).   League of Conservation scorecard: 2013: 0%.  Lifetime (2003-): 9%.
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No Friend to the Environment: Republican Representative Mike Rogers, Alabama's 3rd Congressional District

Photo source:  U.S. Congress

Rogers was elected to a 7th term with 65.6% of the vote.

No Friend to the Environment dishonor roll.

Alabama Congressional delegation:  U.S. House of Representatives
  1. Bradley Byrne (R).  Proposed an amendment that would have cut all FY 2015 funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. 
  2. Martha Roby (R).   Voted YES on opening Outer Continental Shelf to oil drilling and barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. Signed the No Climate Tax Pledge by Americans for Prosperity.
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No Friend to the Environment: Republican Representative Martha Roby, Alabama's 2nd Congressional District

Photo source:  U.S. Congress
Text source:  On the issues.

Roby was elected to a third term with 66.1% of the vote.

No Friend to the Environment dishonor roll.

Alabama Congressional delegation:  U.S. House of Representatives
  1. Bradley Byrne (R).  Proposed an amendment that would have cut all FY 2015 funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
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No Friend to the Environment: Republican Representative Bradley Byrne, Alabama's 1st Congressional District

Photo source:  U. S. Congress
Text source:  Appropriations:  House approves FY2015 energy and water funding bill.  (ESA Policy News, 7/11/2014)

Byrne was re-elected to a 2nd term with 68.3% of the vote.
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City of Waukesha Ward 28: Where Scott Walker Won Just a Plurality of Votes

Out of a possible 193 voting district in Waukesha County, it's where Mary Burke came closest to outpolling Scott Walker.


10 votes were cast for third-party candidates.  (Ward 28 is highlighted in blue.)


The adjacent Ward 18, outlined in purple, appears to be Waukesha's 2nd most liberal neighborhood.

Related posts:
Madison wards where Scott Walker came closest to outpolling Mary Burke.  (11/11/2014) 
Mary Burke vs. Scott Walker in Dane County cities and villages.  (11/10/2014)
Dane County municipalities where Scott Walker outpolled (or tied) Mary Burke.  (11/10/2014)
Iowa County:  The Case of the Quadrennial Democrats.  (#24 in a series of 72)

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But Wojciechowski Draws the Line at Undergoing a Biopsy

Admirals VP to get prostate exam at Saturday's game. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11/13/2014)

Having survived prostate cancer, I fully support Mike's efforts to  promote prostate cancer research and awareness.

However.....I recall that my prostate exams involved latex gloves and a tube of KY jelly....in the privacy of my general practitioner's and urologist's offices.

Has the procedure has somehow changed, become less invasive?

Nope, as Dr. Oz demonstrates.


As for the biopsy, the experience ranks as the most humiliating medical procedure I have yet to experience, i.e., having been conscious while it was taking place.
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Village of Cottage Grove Creates Its Own Police Department, Dissolves 32-Year Agreement with Town


Creation of police department in Cottage Grove to increase average village tax bill $257. (Wisconsin State Journal, 11/14/2014)

The village continues to grow, though not as rapidly as the period from 1990 to 2010, while the town's population plateaus.
The largely rural town, which surrounds the village, is a separate municipality with its own governance. 

The joint department, in place for more than 30 years, will cease to exist Dec. 31. 

The new village-only department, with 10 officers, begins Jan. 1. 

For its part, the town of Cottage Grove will contract with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office for policing.

Related document:
Village of Cottage Grove.  Police Department Operational and Dissolution Evaluation.   Moffett and Associates, LLC.  August 19, 2014.

5 years ago, the Village Board put the kibosh on library development.
Community volunteers spent five years attempting to establish a public library in Cottage Grove.  Their efforts included the formation of a library board, the establishment of a Friends of the Library group, the purchase of land for a building, and the hiring of library director, 

With support for the project waning among elected officials, the Cottage Grove Village Board voted 6-1 on May 18, 2009, to rescind the ordinance that created a library board.

End of story.

And a very unhappy day for Diane Wiedenbeck.

The Dane County Library Service provides weekly bookmobile service to the Village.


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Scott Walker Tells It Like It is

Scott Walker: Chris Christie lacks a ‘Midwestern filter’.  (Washington Times, 11/14/2014)




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2015 City of Appleton Budget Includes $5 Million for Land Acquisition and Architectural Plans


Funding for Appleton library survives council scrutiny.  (Appleton Post-Crescent, 11/12/2014)

Another small step forward.
The approval doesn't mean the proposed $37 million library will be built on a downtown bluff overlooking the Fox River. Rather, it allows the city to continue the process, defined by statute, to acquire the site from Fox Banquets and Trinity Lutheran Church. 

"We're not going to (forcibly) take the property," Hanna said. "It has to be a negotiated transaction."

From a few weeks ago.

 

Related posts:
Appleton Public Library vote tallies: 34-9 and 9-5.  (11/7/2014) 
"That time is now." Appleton Mayor's capital budget include $30 million over 3 years for new library.  (10/3/2014)
Consultant presents fundraising report to Appleton Public Library board.  (9/18/2014) 
Half of respondents to unscientific poll consider themselves cheapskates.  (9/18/2014)
$42 (million) new library project may raise taxes but not much, sez Appleton Post-Crescent.  (9/16/2014) 
The tug-of-war continues.  (9/10/2014)
Not sure how "fast track" can be used to describe a 6+ year new library planning process.  (9/7/2014)
The Appleton Public Library and eminent domain.  (9/1/2014)
The new Appleton Public Library's "pre-funding schematic".  (8/26/2014) 
Appleton council member challenges her colleagues to "Do your job"  (8/18/2014)
Site selected for new Appleton Public Library.  (4/16/2014)
Post-Crescent interview with Appleton Public Library Director Colleen Rortvedt.  (4/9/2014)
Consultants recommend 3 sites for new downtown Appleton Public Library.   (3/19/2014)
Appleton Public Library hires Godfrey's Associates to gather data and public input on future of library.  (8/19/2012)
Appleton Public Library Colleen Rortvedt interviews on Post-Crescent's newsmakers.  (4/19/2012)
Community conversations about the Appleton Public Library.  (4/18/2012)
"Quirky" Geenan favors new Appleton library over downtown exhibition center.  (2/14/2012)
Post-Crescent editorial board agrees with decision to wait on library building project.  (7/18/2011)
Appleton Public Library Director Colleen Rortvedt provides context to Post-Crescent article on library expansion.  (7/7/2011)
New library placed on indefinite hold.  (7/6/2011)
On the need for a new library.  (2/4/2011)
Director responds to 'frequently observed misconceptions'. (12/4/2009)
Readers weigh in on new library. (11/9/2009)
Mayor provides his perspective on library planning process.  (10/7/2009)
Post-Crescent supports next step in library facilities planning process.  (10/6/2009)
Financing options for Appleton's library project.  (10/6/2009)
Potential sites for new library under discussion.  (10/4/2009)
Membership of capital facilities committee for library project approved.  (8/7/2009)
Terry Dawson's discusses Appleton library building project.  (7/16/2009)
Library building project update.  (6/18/2009)
Appleton's library planning escapes budget cuts.  (11/13/2008)
Post-Crescent endorses library design study.  (11/11/2008)
Study:  New library should be built downtown.  (7/10/2008)
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UPDATE! WE HAVE A WINNER! Wisconsin Fall Election Preview: Assembly District 26



Katsma, Vorpagel appear to win Assembly races.  (Sheboygan Press, 11/5/2014)


Other UPDATE! posts:
Jim Ott, R-Mequon.  (11/14/2014)
 "Anything we can do to facilitate economic growth and job growth, we want to stay on that track."
Janel Brandtjen, R-Menomonee Falls.  (11/14/2014)
"Jobs, jobs, jobs.  That's what solidifies inner wealth and the ability to move forward and bjuy houses and live the American dream.:"
Joe Sanfelippo, R-New Berlin.  (11/12/2014)
"I view this as a job that you serve, then you leave."
 Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna.  (11/7/2014)
"The main thing is to keep Wisconsin heading in the same direction, keep a handle on taxes, keep the economy growing.  And adding new jobs is obviously the no. 1 goal."  
 Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay  (11/5/2014)

[Original post starts here.]
Open seat.  Incumbent Mike Endsley (R-Sheboygan) is not running for re-election. 


Terry Van Akkeren, Democratic candidate

Terry Katsma, Republican candidate

26th Assembly District





Public libraries in the 26th Assembly District
Sheboygan Falls Memorial Library

Related posts and notes:

1st Senate District  (9/6/2014)
2nd Senate District.  7-term Republican Rob Cowles (Green Bay) is not up for re-election this year.   Cowles also served in the Assembly from 1982 to 1987.
3rd Senate District:  3-term Democrat Tim Carpenter (Milwaukee) is running unopposed.
4th Senate District.  Three-term Democrat Lena Taylor (Milwaukee) is not up for re-election this year.
5th Senate District (9/8/2014)
6th Senate District.  Freshman Democrat Nikiya Harris Dodd (Milwaukee) is not up for re-election this year.
  • 16th Assembly District.  11-term Democrat Leon Young (Milwaukee) is running unopposed.
  • 17th Assembly District (sorry, somehow got lost in the shuffle; need to re-do)
  • 18th Assembly District.  Freshman Democrat Evan Goyke (Milwaukee) is running unopposed.
 7th Senate District.  (9/9/2014)
8th Senate District.  6-term Republican Alberta Darling (River Hills) is not up for re-election this year.   Darling also served 2 1/2 years in the Assembly (May 1990-January 1993)
9th Senate District.  (9/15/2014)

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UPDATE! WE HAVE A WINNER! Wisconsin Fall Election Preview: Assembly District 23



Jim Ott elected to 5th term in State Assembly.  (Glendale Now, 11/5/2014)


Other UPDATE! posts:
Janel Brandtjen, R-Menomonee Falls.  (11/14/2014)
"Jobs, jobs, jobs.  That's what solidifies inner wealth and the ability to move forward and bjuy houses and live the American dream.:"
Joe Sanfelippo, R-New Berlin.  (11/12/2014)
"I view this as a job that you serve, then you leave."
 Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna.  (11/7/2014)
"The main thing is to keep Wisconsin heading in the same direction, keep a handle on taxes, keep the economy growing.  And adding new jobs is obviously the no. 1 goal."  
 Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay  (11/5/2014)

[Original post starts here.]
Republican incumbent vs. Democratic challenger


Jim Ott, Republican incumbent

Beth Lueck, Democratic challenger

23rd Assembly District


Public libraries in the 23rd Assembly District
Frank L. Weyenburg Library of Mequon-Thiensville  (service area)
North Shore Library (service area)
U.S.S. Liberty Memorial Library, Grafton
Whitefish Bay Public Library

Related posts and notes:

1st Senate District  (9/6/2014)
2nd Senate District.  7-term Republican Rob Cowles (Green Bay) is not up for re-election this year.   Cowles also served in the Assembly from 1982 to 1987.
3rd Senate District:  3-term Democrat Tim Carpenter (Milwaukee) is running unopposed.
4th Senate District.  Three-term Democrat Lena Taylor (Milwaukee) is not up for re-election this year.
5th Senate District (9/8/2014)
6th Senate District.  Freshman Democrat Nikiya Harris Dodd (Milwaukee) is not up for re-election this year.
  • 16th Assembly District.  11-term Democrat Leon Young (Milwaukee) is running unopposed.
  • 17th Assembly District (sorry, somehow got lost in the shuffle; need to re-do)
  • 18th Assembly District.  Freshman Democrat Evan Goyke (Milwaukee) is running unopposed.
 7th Senate District.  (9/9/2014)
8th Senate District.  6-term Republican Alberta Darling (River Hills) is not up for re-election this year.   Darling also served 2 1/2 years in the Assembly (May 1990-January 1993)
9th Senate District.  (9/15/2014)

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UPDATE! WE HAVE A WINNER! Wisconsin Fall Election Preview: Assembly District 22



Brandtjen takes race for Assembly District 22 seat.  (Menomonee Falls Now, 11/4/2014)


[Start of original post.]
Open seat.  Current representative, Don Pridemore (R-Hartford), is not running for re-election.


Janel Brandtjen, Republican candidate

Jessie Read, Democratic candidate

Brandtjen decisively won a 3-way Republican primary with a plurality of the vote in August 2014.



 22nd Assembly District


Public libraries in the 22nd Assembly District
Menomonee Falls Public Library (service area)
Milwaukee Public Library.  (service area sliver)
Pauline Haass Public Library, Sussex (Lisbon service area)

Related posts and notes:

1st Senate District  (9/6/2014)
2nd Senate District.  7-term Republican Rob Cowles (Green Bay) is not up for re-election this year.   Cowles also served in the Assembly from 1982 to 1987.
3rd Senate District:  3-term Democrat Tim Carpenter (Milwaukee) is running unopposed.
4th Senate District.  Three-term Democrat Lena Taylor (Milwaukee) is not up for re-election this year.
5th Senate District (9/8/2014)
6th Senate District.  Freshman Democrat Nikiya Harris Dodd (Milwaukee) is not up for re-election this year.
  • 16th Assembly District.  11-term Democrat Leon Young (Milwaukee) is running unopposed.
  • 17th Assembly District (sorry, somehow got lost in the shuffle; need to re-do)
  • 18th Assembly District.  Freshman Democrat Evan Goyke (Milwaukee) is running unopposed.
 7th Senate District.  (9/9/2014)
8th Senate District.  6-term Republican Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) is not up for re-election this year.   Darling also served 2 1/2 years in the Assembly (May 1990-January 1993)
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