Saturday, November 7, 2015

In light of recent actions by Walker and his appointees, does Roger Roth realize how silly he sounds?


Such as this recent action.


As quoted in Opinion:  Civil service reform modernizes state's hiring process.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 9/28/2015)

Related posts:
Sad Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) enters the Republican, civil service echo chamber.  (10/29/2015) 
Storytime at the Wisconsin Department of Administration.  (10/29/2015)
Terry Katsma (R-Oostburg): Have I got a speedy hiring process for you!! (10/28/2015)
Wisconsin Republicans gut civil service: Are you starting to see a pattern here?  (10/28/2015)
Dear Mike Rohrkaste, Perhaps you weren't paying attention in 2011. Two words: Act 10.  (10/28/2015)
Newspeak just where you'd expect it -- in an Americans for Prosperity news release.  (10/28/2015)
Just think. Once the legislature guts civil service, Scott Walker's former aides can be appointed to all levels of state government.  (10/6/2015)

Following the money: Heinz CEO Bill Johnson and his wife Susie each donated $10,000 to Scott Walker in 2014



And the Wisconsin State Senate, falling in line with the Assembly, agreed to make it harder to follow the money.

GOP lawmakers reverse course, balk at campaign donor reporting.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11/7/2015)
GOP state senators reversed course early Saturday and voted to let people make political donations without disclosing their employers as part of a broad overhaul of campaign finance laws. [emphasis added]

This is what passes for GOP transparency.

The Heinz connection is obliterated.



With the passage of AB 387, Newspeak once again infuses Republican media releases




As quoted, with emphasis added, in Senator Lazich Applauds the Protection of Free Speech. (Media release, 11/6/2015)

Let's face it.  Wisconsin Republicans are in a Andrea True Connection kinda mood.

From the bill text:
The bill doubles the contribution limits under current law applicable to candidates for state or local office. Under the bill, every five years, beginning in 2021, the board will adjust the contribution limits to reflect the percentage change in the consumer price index during the preceding five-year period.

More than 70% of all political contributions isn't enough for Repubs.

Source:  Open Secrets

Get out on the floor, Mary!



Meet the Marys



Other Newspeak posts:
Newspeak just where you'd expect it -- in an Americans for Prosperity news release.  (10/28/2015)
Going forward, Scott Walker shows off his fluency in Newspeak out there.  (10/27/2015)
Newspeak II: Under Robin Vos's bill, contributions from Enbridge Energy would fall under the category of "Natural Resources".  (10/21/2015)
The Newspeak Chronicles: Robin Vos ties himself up into the tightest little pretzel you've ever seen.  (10/19/2015)

In the news: Library materials sorters




Related reading:
Libraries in New York and Seattle Area Staging a Battle of the Sorters. (The New York Times, 11/6/2015)
A book odyssey.  (The New York Times, 11/6/2015)

The big, the bold Scott Walker promises more ALEC model policy plagiarism for Wisconsin


From an email solicitation sent to supporters.


Wisconsin as a model for other states?

I hardly think so.

The reality is....

ALEC’s Influence over Lawmaking in State Legislatures.  (Brookings Institution, 12/6/2013)
My findings are threefold. First, ALEC model bills are, word-for-word, introduced in our state legislatures at a non-trivial rate. Second, they have a good chance – better than most legislation – of being enacted into law. Finally, the bills that pass are most often linked to controversial social and economic issues. In the end, I argue that this is not good for ALEC, its corporate partners, or for the democratic process.
ALEC model policy

The complete solicitation



ALEC goes to Wisconsin:
Time for another Republican hypocrisy alert! (10/23/2015)
Get me rewrite: Wisconsin lawmakers eye ALEC model legislation to end state's prevailing wage laws.  (4/5/2015) 
Why do Republicans call it 'worker freedom'? Because the Koch Brothers say so.  (3/7/2015) 
Scott Walker: Putting the power of government into the hands of the Koch Brothers.  (2/23/2015)
Since 2008 Scott Walker pledges his allegiance to the Koch Brothers.  (2/21/2015) 
Why drug tests for recipients of public aid in Wisconsin?  Because the Koch Brothers say so.  (2/10/2015)
Rep. Lee Nerison (R-Westby) Does ALEC's "Ag-Gag" Bidding.  (2/9/2015)
Van Wanggaard toes the ALEC line.  (2/7/2015)
Meet Scott Walker's "ideas" men.  (1/29/2015)
The Koch Brothers bring you "The Big and the Bold".  (1/24/2015)
Chris Kapenga, ALEC waterboy, is at it again. (12/11/2014)
UPDATED:  They pledge allegiance to the Koch Brothers.  (11/19/2014)
Of course, Kapenga hasn't drafted a bill; it's already been done for him.  (12/4/2014)
Here's an example of what happens when people don't pay attention.  (10/8/2014)
Speaking of plagiarism: The Kapenga Chronicles   (9/27/2014)
ALEC tools Leah Vukmir and Alberta Darling go off the deep end.  (9/22/2014)
Speaking of plagiarism.  (9/20/2014)
Just what the Wisconsin legislature needs:  Another ALEC disciple.  (8/7/2014)
Meet Chris Kapenga, R-Waterboy, representing the grate state of ALEC.  (2/18/2014)
Sen. Paul Farrow throws a hissy fit (which is transcribed in this news release).  (2/7/2014)
Robin Vos believes in selective transparency of the kind advanced by the American Legislative Exchange Council.  (12/24/2013)
Background on the National Conference of State Legislatures for Leah.  (12/12/2013)
From ALEC to Andre to us: Rep. Jacque (R-DePere) whittles model bill down to the basics.  (9/1/2013)
NRA/ALEC "Docs and Glocks" law finally makes its way to Wisconsin.  (6/18/2013)
Robin Vos, "an ALEC Wisconsin Foot Soldier" (SourceWatch).  (6/13/2013)
ALEC'd to Death: Wisconsin Republicans Continues to Depend on the Koch Brothers' Playbook. (6/7/2013)
ALEC's State Budget Reform Toolkit: "Asset Sale and Lease Opportunities".  (6/6/2013)
Selling State Properties? It's in the ALEC Playbook.  (5/22/2013)
More cookie-cutter legislation from ALEC.  (4/7/2013)
What the Koch Brothers left under Scott Walker's 2010 Christmas tree.  (6/19/2012)

Begging for help, Scott Walker asks, What's in your wallet?


From an email solicitation sent to supporters.


Every small business?

Here's a report from the 10/15/2015 Wall Street Journal (Scott Walker’s Heavy Spending Lands Campaign in Red)
The biggest driver of Mr. Walker’s campaign debt was staff salaries, which cost his campaign nearly $2 million. Communications director Kirsten Kukowski, campaign manager Rick Wiley and lead advance man Matt Hall each made an annual salary of more than $200,000. Mr. Hall’s company, Harbinger LLC, also was paid $143,425 between August and September. His campaign also spent another $1.1 million on direct mail fundraising pitches. Mr. Walker’s report also shows $20,860 in general election contributions that the campaign must return to donors. [emphasis added]

The complete solicitation

Friday, November 6, 2015

Donald Trump losing altitude in North Carolina


Headed for the coast?


The behinders in the 10/29-11/2 Elon University poll:
  • 5% - Jeb Bush
  • 3% - Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee
  • 2% - Chris Christie, Rand Paul
  • 1% - John Kasich, Lindsey Graham
  • 0% - Rick Santorum, Bobby Jindal

Recent state polls:
It's presently a 4-way Republican contest in Iowa.   (11/4/2015)
While Trump gets big boost in Florida, Jeb's support is slip-sliding away.  (11/3/2015)
"Oh, wow!": Four Republican candidates peaking in New Hampshire.  (11/2/2015)
Ted Cruz for President: Texas Republicans are increasingly sayin', "I don't think so!"  (10/28/2015)
Clemson poll sez Donald Trump is no longer hot stuff in South Carolina.  (10/27/2015)
Wisconsin voters don't necessarily heed Scott Walker's advice to dump Trump.  (10/1/2015)
On the other hand, Donald Trump can still say "I'm peaking! I'm peaking!" in North Carolina.  (9/29/2015)
At best, Donald Trump is treading water in Georgia.  (9/29/2015)
Scott Walker quickly flames out in Michigan.  (9/17/2015)

Carly's soaring rocket already in the shop for performance turboboost




Christian Today, 9/20/2015

It's presently a 4-way Republican contest in Iowa




The behinders in the 10/29-11/4 CNN/ORC poll:
  • 5% - Jeb Bush
  • 4% - Carly Fiorina, Bobby Jindal
  • 3% - Chris Christie
  • 2% - Mike Huckabee, John Kasich, Rand Paul, Lindsey Graham
  • 0% - Rick Santorum, George Pataki

More campaign news from Iowa: 
In latest Iowa poll, Carson falls off a cliff, Cruz continues steady climb.  (11/3/2015)
This just in: Marco Rubio does NOT have 'all the magic fairy dust'.  (11/1/2015)
'What will I write about today?' wonders William Petroski. 'How about Rick Santorum?!'  (10/30/2015)
Dear Donald Trump, Mystified about what a Seventh-day Adventist believes? Look it up! )10/27/2015)
Ben Carson regains comfortable lead in 2 latest Iowa caucus polls; Trump tweets Super PAC rant.  (10/26/2015) 
Trump, Carson tied in latest Iowa Republican caucus poll.  (10/26/2015)
Dear Donald Trump. Likely Iowa caucus voters say the thrill is gone.  (10/23/2015)
Ben Carson surges into 1st place in Iowa, tripping up Trump.  (10/22/2015)
Just when you thought likely Iowa Republican caucus voters had come to their senses.......this happens!  (10/4/2015)
Donald Trump, Ben Carson take hits in latest Iowa Republican caucus poll.  (9/23/2015)
Scott Walker puts all of his eggs in one basket.  (9/18/2015)
Scott Walker tumbles to 10th place in latest Iowa caucus poll.  (9/11/2015)
Scott Walker reduced to fighting for Trump's and Carson's crumbs in Iowa.  (9/6/2015)
Will Walker's Presidential campaign survive until then?  (9/4/2015)
I gotta tell ya, Jamie, Rick Perry is nowhere near the battlefield.  (9/2/2015)
Rick Santorum's quixotic quest for an Iowa caucus victory.  (9/2/2015)
Dear Jeff, You might want to talk with Luther Olsen about Scott Walker.  (8/22/2015)
The Iowa bloom is definitely off the Walker rose.  (8/13/2015)
Dear Kathie Obradovich, the Rick Perry and Bobby Jindal study halls are over.  (8/11/2015)
Jeb Bush joins the "Behinders" in latest Iowa poll.  (8/11/2015)
Once again, Trump bests Walker in Iowa.  (8/10/2015)
Donald Trump leapfrogs over Scott Walker to take huge lead in Iowa
.  (8/3/2015) 
Donald Trump threatens Scott Walker's lead in Iowa.  (7/27/2015)
Scott Walker treads water in Iowa Republican presidential caucus polls.  (7/11/2015)
Donald Trump places 2nd, behind Scott Walker, in latest Iowa Republican caucus poll.  (7/1/2015)
Scott Walker maintains lead in Iowa Republican presidential caucus polling.  (6/15/2015) 
Likely Iowa Republican caucus-goers are still groovin' on Scott Walker -- but not nearly as much as they were in February.  (6/4/2015)
Scott Walker finishes 1st in latest Iowa poll, but his best numbers are more than 3 months behind him.  (5/31/2015)
Rick Santorum: You ain't goin' nowhere in this presidential race.  (5/28/2015)
Kristina, 27, like the idea of Donald Trump running for President.  (5/23/2015)
Will the results of the August 2015 Iowa straw poll embarrass Republicans again?  (5/21/2015)
The Iowa straw poll, a slow death by many small cuts.  (5/21/2015)
Dreamboat Dixie channels Heart.  (5/17/2015)
Hey, Tanya, if you like Carly Fiorina, you'll love Scott Walker.  (5/17/2015)
Walt Rogers hitches his star to a political flameout.  (5/17/2015)
This Saturday, Republican presidential "wannabes" descend on Des Moines for "the fourth major, multi-candidate cattle call of the caucus campaign".  (5/14/2015) 
Jeb hurts Iowans' feelings.  (5/13/2015)
Pandering to social conservatives, Scott Walker and his buddies continue to box themselves into a corner.  (4/26/2015)
Let the intramural sniping begin.  (4/26/2015)
Reporter shares his sharp, blunt, candid assessment.  (4/26/2015)
'Veteran Republican Strategist' sez goodbye to Scott Walker the day after 'hello'. (3/18/2015)
Clothes make the man: The Iowa Caucus edition.  (3/18/2015)
Liz Mair stars in Scott Walker's 'Les Miz'.  (3/17/2015)
Motor runnin', Scott Walker gives a shout-out to these Iowa communities.  (3/9/2015)
Scott Walker serves up a helping of red meat to audience at Iowa Agriculture Summit.  (3/8/2015)
The insignificance of the Iowa caucus.  (3/7/2015)
Scott Walker is already booked, naturally, for the last weekend in April.  (3/3/2015)
Quinnipiac poll: Scott Walker is the Tea Party favorite among likely caucus-goers in Iowa.  (2/26/2015)
Mike Huckabee retakes Iowa lead, Walker falls to 3rd in NBC News/Marist poll.  (2/17/2015)

Scott Walker, WEDC, and Oscar Mayer: Unanswered question #4


Retiring Guy has another question of his own.

Why did staff at Scott Walker's quasi-public economic development agency take such a meek, disengaged, unenterprising, and unaccountable approach with Kraft Heinz?

Source:  Inside WEDC

Related Oscar Mayer posts:
Scott Walker, WEDC, and Oscar Mayer: Unanswered question #3.  (11/6/2015)
Scott Walker, WEDC, and Oscar Mayer: Unanswered question #2.  (11/6/2015)
Scott Walker, WEDC, and Oscar Mayer: Unanswered question #1.  (11/6/2015)
The ripple effects of Oscar Mayer's Madison plant closing.  (11/5/2015)
Apparently, this is the closest we've had to a response from the Governor's office about the Oscar Mayer plant closing in Madison.  (11/5/2015)
Governor Scott Walker's statement on closing of Oscar Mayer plant. (11/4/2015)

Scott Walker, WEDC, and Oscar Mayer: Unanswered question #3


Retiring Guy has a question of his own.

What 'world-class support services' were offered by WEDC to Kraft Heinz after Thursday, July 2, 2015?


Source:  Inside WEDC

Related Oscar Mayer posts:
Scott Walker, WEDC, and Oscar Mayer: Unanswered question #2.  (11/6/2015)
Scott Walker, WEDC, and Oscar Mayer: Unanswered question #1.  (11/6/2015)
The ripple effects of Oscar Mayer's Madison plant closing.  (11/5/2015)
Apparently, this is the closest we've had to a response from the Governor's office about the Oscar Mayer plant closing in Madison.  (11/5/2015)
Governor Scott Walker's statement on closing of Oscar Mayer plant. (11/4/2015)

Related WEDC posts:
WEDC open for business: Another 'no vetting' special deal.  (10/15/2015)
Scott Walker's growing list of things worth considering: U.S.-Canada border wall, wreaking havoc in Washington, tougher penalties for WEDC fraud   (9/8/2015)
Todd Jensen, former WEDC underwriter, provides the recipe for the current agency disaster.  (8/9/2015)
We know Scott Walker didn't graduate from college, but apparently he hasn't been paying attention to anyone but himself since kindergarten.  (6/25/2015)
4:24 p.m. Friday WEDC news dump.  (6/20/2015)
The stink of WEDC follows Brenda Hicks-Sorensen to Nebraska.  (6/16/2015) 
Scott Walker tries to run, but there's no place to hide.  (5/26/2015)
No matter how you slice it, Alberta, it's still stinky cheese.  (5/23/2015)
Joint Finance Republicans to Scott Walker:  "You're Fired!".  (5/21/2015)
Chairman of the Board of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation -- Nice work if you can get it.  (5/20/2015)
It's story time.  (5/18/2015)
From the pay-to-play archives: The William Minihan-Scott Walker connection.  (5/17/2015) 
What's wrong with this Scott Walker headline?  (5/16/2015)
Chairman of the Board Scott Walker's BIG, BOLD idea.  (5/8/2015) 
Based on WEDC's previous track record, this is what came to mind when I saw first saw this headline.  (4/2/2015)
Apparently, being the CFO of WEDC is not much of a resume-builder.  (3/13/2015)
WEDC's revolving door.  (9/12/2014)
Here's how the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is "Reinventing Economic Development".  (8/24/2014) 
Company looks to expand its business geographic focus?  (8/14/2014)
Scott Walker and the horrible, terrible, no good, very transparent day.  (7/28/2014)
Kestrel Aircraft: All these incentives, but no construction, no jobs.  (7/13/2014)
The Eaton Corporation/WEDC timeline of shame.  (7/10/2014)
Wisconsin featured in report on privatized state economic development agencies.  (10/25/2013)
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation pledge: Following the money.  (7/23/2013)
Incompetence rewarded.  (5/9/2013)
And while we're at it, let's take a look at WEDC 's core values. (5/9/2013)
WEDC Public Information Officer Resigns After 1 Month on the Job.  (5/9/2013)
Plenty of time for messaging but none for fixing what ails WEDC.  (5/9/2013)
Previous WEDC audits?  What previous audits?  (5/8/2013)
Are you seeing a trend yet?  (5/8/2013)
Echoes.  (5/7/2013)
Get me rewrite.  (5/4/2013)
Legislative Audit Bureau Report on Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: The "Cliff Notes" Version.  (5/3/2013
"Tales of woe never end at WEDC."  (4/25/2013)
Enterprise Florida and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation share a lack of transparency.  (2/28/2013)
Work to do, words yet to live by.  (12/27/2012)

Scott Walker, WEDC, and Oscar Mayer: Unanswered question #2



Soglin as quoted in Scott Walker reaching out to Kraft Heinz as loss of jobs is lamented.   (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11/5/2015)


Well, yes and no.  Yes, there was contact, but no, not with Kraft Heinz.
WEDC, the state's jobs agency, in 2013 offered what was then Kraft Foods Group $194,800 in tax credits to attempt to win a $4 million investment in Oscar Mayer's Madison offices, agency spokesman Steve Michels said. In April 2014, Kraft Foods declined the tax credits, said Michels, who didn't answer questions about whether WEDC had contacted the newly created Kraft Heinz to see if the new ownership changed matters.

Six weeks ago, the top 3 on this list of Governor Scott Walker's appointments were notified that the Madison Oscar Mayer plant would be closing as a result of the Kraft Heinz merger.  The news was summarily dismissed.

Related posts:
Scott Walker, WEDC, and Oscar Mayer: Unanswered question #1.  (11/6/2015)
The ripple effects of Oscar Mayer's Madison plant closing.  (11/5/2015)
Apparently, this is the closest we've had to a response from the Governor's office about the Oscar Mayer plant closing in Madison.  (11/5/2015)
Governor Scott Walker's statement on closing of Oscar Mayer plant. (11/4/2015)

Scott Walker, WEDC, and Oscar Mayer: Unanswered question #1



Soglin as quoted in Scott Walker reaching out to Kraft Heinz as loss of jobs is lamented.   (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11/5/2015)

Once again, the Wisconsin media allow Scott Walker to take no responsibility for his (in)actions.

Apparently living on a one-way street, he's content to point a finger at Warren Buffett.


Curiously, the article spells Buffett with both 1 and 2 t's, the latter being the correct spelling.

Related posts:
The ripple effects of Oscar Mayer's Madison plant closing.  (11/5/2015)
Apparently, this is the closest we've had to a response from the Governor's office about the Oscar Mayer plant closing in Madison.  (11/5/2015)
Governor Scott Walker's statement on closing of Oscar Mayer plant. (11/4/2015)

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Latest national Republican poll keeps it a 4-way race for the time being



  • 4% - Jeb Bush, John Kasich, Mike Huckabee, Rand Paul
  • 3% - Carly Fiorina
  • 2% - Chris Christie
  • 0% - Rick Santorum, Bobby Jindal, Lindsey Graham, George Pataki
Other stuff
  • 'No' votes on 'honest and trustworthy'
    • 56% - Donald Trump
    • 49% - Chris Christie
    • 47% - Jeb Bush
    • 40% - Ted Cruz

Related posts:
Republicans' love for Donald Trump and Ben Carson is like a see-saw.  (11/4/2015)
Ben Carson gathers some magic fairy dust of his own in latest national Republican poll.  (11/3/2015)
Trump reverses direction, regains 1st place in latest national Republican poll.  (10/31/2015)
Donald Trump goes south in latest national Republican poll.  (10/27/2015)
The latest Republican Presidential primary poll results accompanied by a most appropriate Frank Bruni quote.  (10/21/2015)
A passel of polls lately, all of em' touting Trump's tenacity.  (10/20/2015)
Republican Presidential primary race is turning into a snoozefest.  (10/20/2015)
More of the same, pretty much, in latest Republican Presidential primary poll.  (10/19/2015)
Clearly, the manufactured glow of Carly Fiorina's September 16th performance is fading.  (10/12/2015)
For now, Investors' Business Daily poll looks to be an outlier as Trump is back in 1st place.  (10/7/2015)
 Blathering his way to oblivion, Donald Trump falls out of first place in latest poll.  (10/4/2015)
Nothing to write home about in latest Republican Presidential primary poll.  (10/3/2015)
Another ho-hum Republican Presidential primary poll.  (10/1/2015)
The September polls have not been kind to Donald Trump.  (9/27/2015)
Scott Walker down to zero in latest Republican primary poll -- behind Rick Santorum, no less.  (9/20/2015)
Ben Carson closes the gap with Donald Trump in latest Republican primary poll.  (9/15/2015)
Scott Walker joins the bottom feeders in latest national Republican primary poll.  (9/14/2015)
CNN/ORC poll gives Scott Walker a pity-pat, lifts him out of behinder bin.  (9/10/2015)
Scott Walker slides to 3% in latest national poll; has 8th place all to himself.  (9/3/2015)
Scott Walker is likely to BLAME CANADA for his latest poll showing.  (9/1/2015)
Donald Trump maintains his lead, Scott Walker continues to slide in national Republican Presidential primary polls.  (8/27/2015)
Donald Trump maintains a sizable lead in latest national Republican Presidential primary poll.  (8/18/2015)
Donald Trump maintains his lead in national polls; Scott Walker is yesterday's news.  (8/16/2015) 
Trump continues to ebb, Fiorina surges in latest national Republican Presidential primary poll.  (8/12/2015)
Running up to Thursday's FOX News GOP debate, Donald Trump continues to run the poll table.  (8/4/2015)
A hot bat: Donald Trump goes 10 for 11 in July.  (8/3/2015) 
Another day, another 1st place poll finish for Donald Trump (9 and counting).  (8/3/2015)
Donald Trump continues to run the poll table: 8 in a row.  (8/2/2015)
Trump wins 6th national poll in a row.  (7/30/2015)
In his last 5 'starts', Donald Trump is 5-0 in national Republican presidential polling.  (7/27/2015)
Trump wins 4th national poll in a row; Walker closes gap.  (7/23/2015) 
Trump takes his 3rd national poll in a row.  (7/20/2015)
Donald Trump takes 1st place in consecutive national polls.  (7/17/2015)
On day 2 of Scott Walker's presidential campaign, a just-released Suffolk University/USA Today poll has Donald Trump in 1st place.  (7/14/2015)
Monmouth University poll casts a pall over Scott Walker's presidential candidacy announcement.  (7/13/2015)
Scott Walker leads in Iowa Republican presidential polling, but nationally it's a different story.  (7/1/2015)
Republicans' 2016 Presidential primary preferences look like a bunch of scribbles when graphed.  (6/22/2015)
Has anyone else noticed that Scott Walker peaked 2 months ago in New Hampshire? (6/14/2015)
Same as it ever was, pretty much, in latest Fox News poll.  (6/3/2015)
The latest CNN/ORC Republican presidential primary poll likes the Florida boys.  (6/2/2015) 
5-way tie in latest Quinnipiac Republican presidential primary poll.  (5/28/2015)
Republican presidential candidates find little elbow room in latest Fox News poll.  (5/16/2015)
Latest Public Policy Polling (PPP) numbers keep Republican candidates in a jumble.  (5/14/2015)
The Florida Boys leave Scott Walker in "show" position in latest Republican presidential horse race poll.  (5/5/2015)
Tracking the national Republican presidential primary polls.  (4/3/2015)
Scott Walker tied for 2nd with 'Dunno' in latest CNN/ORC poll. (3/19/2015)
Don't know/no answer/somebody else/won't vote leads latest Quinnipiac Republican Presidential primary poll.  (3/6/2015)
Someone else/no one, Ben Carson have best 1-2 punch in Public Policy poll.  (2/24/2015)
On the merry-go-round: Mike Huckabee takes the lead in the latest Republican Presidential preference poll.  (2/18/2015)

Rep. David Craig (R-Vernon) is in a 'grapes of wrath' kinda mood



As quoted in Rep. Craig Decries Democrat Anti-Environment, Anti-Farmer Gun Grab Bill.  (Press release, 11/5/2015)

Rep. Craig opts for a look with a little less 'face time'.


Dear Scott Walker. Reform, efficiency, performance? Let's start at the top, please.


On the day that Kraft Heinz announces the closing of the Madison Oscar Mayer plant, Governor Scott Walker Creates Commission on Government Reform, Efficiency, and Performance.  (Press release, 11/4/2015)

Here's a quote.



Yes, indeed.  'More accountable to the public'.  Which is why Walker will sign these bills as soon as they reach his desk.
  • AB387/SB292.  Relating to: campaign finance.
  • AB388/SB294.  Relating to: reorganizing the Government Accountability Board, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and making appropriations.

Other Newspeak posts:
Newspeak just where you'd expect it -- in an Americans for Prosperity news release.  (10/28/2015)
Going forward, Scott Walker shows off his fluency in Newspeak out there.  (10/27/2015)
Newspeak II: Under Robin Vos's bill, contributions from Enbridge Energy would fall under the category of "Natural Resources".  (10/21/2015)
The Newspeak Chronicles: Robin Vos ties himself up into the tightest little pretzel you've ever seen.  (10/19/2015)

The ripple effects of Oscar Mayer's Madison plant closing




As Oscar Mayer news spreads, ripple effects big and small mount for community.  (Madison.com, 11/5/2015)

Some of the examples cited in the article:

Apparently, this is the closest we've had to a response from the Governor's office about the Oscar Mayer plant closing in Madison


Photo credit:  LinkedIn

As quoted in Oscar Mayer will close plant and move 1,000 jobs out of Madison.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11/4/2015)

Related article:
Wisconsin is moving in right direction, by Governor Scott Walker.   (Green Bay Press Gazette, 10/17/2015)  [emphasis added]

Related post:
Governor Scott Walker's statement on closing of Oscar Mayer plant.  (11/4/2015)




A to Z (A to WY, actually) through the Wisconsin Public Library Service Data: Collections (Berlin Public Library)


This series takes a look at the numerical changes in Wisconsin public library collections in 9-year increments:  1996, 2005, and 2014.




All statistical information from the Wisconsin Public Library Service Data.

Berlin Public Library



Photo credit:  Examiner.com

Related posts:
Adams County Public Library.  (10/7/2015)
Albertson Memorial Library, Albany.  (10/8/2015)
Algoma Public Library.  (10/9/2015)
Alma Public Library.  (10/10/2015)
Altoona Public Library.  (10/11/2015)
Amery Area Public Library.  (10/13/2015)
Lettie W. Jensen Library, Amherst.  (10/14/2015)
Antigo Public Library.  (10/15/2015)
Appleton Public Library.  (10/16/2015)
Arcadia Public Library.  (10/18/2015)
Argyle Public Library.  (10/19/2015)
Lester Public Library of Arpin.  (10/20/2015)
Vaughn Public Library, Ashland.  (10/22/2015)
Augusta Memorial Public Library.  (10/23/2015)
Baldwin Public Library.  (10/24/2015)
Balsam Lake Public Library. (10/26/2015)
Baraboo Public Library.  (10/27/2015)
Barneveld Public Library.  (10/28/2015)
Barron Public Library.  (10/29/2015)
Bayfield Carnegie Library.  (10/30/2015)
Beaver Dam Community Library.  (10/31/2015)
Belleville Public Library.  (11/1/2015)
John Turgeson Public Library, Belmont.  (11/2/2015)
Beloit Public Library.  (11/3/2015)
Benton Public Library.  (11/4/2015)

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Governor Scott Walker's statement on closing of Oscar Mayer plant



At least as of late afternoon today, according to The Wheeler Report.


Republicans' love for Donald Trump and Ben Carson is like a see-saw



The behinders in the 10/29-11/2 Quinnipiac poll:
  • 4% - Jeb Bush
  • 3% - Carly Fiorina, John Kasich, Chris Christie
  • 2% - Rand Paul
  • 1% - Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum
  • 0% - Bobby Jindal, George Pataki, Lindsey Graham
Other stuff:  Among Republicans, Bush's unfavorables are at 47%.  Rand Paul and Lindsey Graham tie for 2nd at 34%.


Related posts:
Ben Carson gathers some magic fairy dust of his own in latest national Republican poll.  (11/3/2015)
Trump reverses direction, regains 1st place in latest national Republican poll.  (10/31/2015)
Donald Trump goes south in latest national Republican poll.  (10/27/2015)
The latest Republican Presidential primary poll results accompanied by a most appropriate Frank Bruni quote.  (10/21/2015)
A passel of polls lately, all of em' touting Trump's tenacity.  (10/20/2015)
Republican Presidential primary race is turning into a snoozefest.  (10/20/2015)
More of the same, pretty much, in latest Republican Presidential primary poll.  (10/19/2015)
Clearly, the manufactured glow of Carly Fiorina's September 16th performance is fading.  (10/12/2015)
For now, Investors' Business Daily poll looks to be an outlier as Trump is back in 1st place.  (10/7/2015)
 Blathering his way to oblivion, Donald Trump falls out of first place in latest poll.  (10/4/2015)
Nothing to write home about in latest Republican Presidential primary poll.  (10/3/2015)
Another ho-hum Republican Presidential primary poll.  (10/1/2015)
The September polls have not been kind to Donald Trump.  (9/27/2015)
Scott Walker down to zero in latest Republican primary poll -- behind Rick Santorum, no less.  (9/20/2015)
Ben Carson closes the gap with Donald Trump in latest Republican primary poll.  (9/15/2015)
Scott Walker joins the bottom feeders in latest national Republican primary poll.  (9/14/2015)
CNN/ORC poll gives Scott Walker a pity-pat, lifts him out of behinder bin.  (9/10/2015)
Scott Walker slides to 3% in latest national poll; has 8th place all to himself.  (9/3/2015)
Scott Walker is likely to BLAME CANADA for his latest poll showing.  (9/1/2015)
Donald Trump maintains his lead, Scott Walker continues to slide in national Republican Presidential primary polls.  (8/27/2015)
Donald Trump maintains a sizable lead in latest national Republican Presidential primary poll.  (8/18/2015)
Donald Trump maintains his lead in national polls; Scott Walker is yesterday's news.  (8/16/2015) 
Trump continues to ebb, Fiorina surges in latest national Republican Presidential primary poll.  (8/12/2015)
Running up to Thursday's FOX News GOP debate, Donald Trump continues to run the poll table.  (8/4/2015)
A hot bat: Donald Trump goes 10 for 11 in July.  (8/3/2015) 
Another day, another 1st place poll finish for Donald Trump (9 and counting).  (8/3/2015)
Donald Trump continues to run the poll table: 8 in a row.  (8/2/2015)
Trump wins 6th national poll in a row.  (7/30/2015)
In his last 5 'starts', Donald Trump is 5-0 in national Republican presidential polling.  (7/27/2015)
Trump wins 4th national poll in a row; Walker closes gap.  (7/23/2015) 
Trump takes his 3rd national poll in a row.  (7/20/2015)
Donald Trump takes 1st place in consecutive national polls.  (7/17/2015)
On day 2 of Scott Walker's presidential campaign, a just-released Suffolk University/USA Today poll has Donald Trump in 1st place.  (7/14/2015)
Monmouth University poll casts a pall over Scott Walker's presidential candidacy announcement.  (7/13/2015)
Scott Walker leads in Iowa Republican presidential polling, but nationally it's a different story.  (7/1/2015)
Republicans' 2016 Presidential primary preferences look like a bunch of scribbles when graphed.  (6/22/2015)
Has anyone else noticed that Scott Walker peaked 2 months ago in New Hampshire? (6/14/2015)
Same as it ever was, pretty much, in latest Fox News poll.  (6/3/2015)
The latest CNN/ORC Republican presidential primary poll likes the Florida boys.  (6/2/2015) 
5-way tie in latest Quinnipiac Republican presidential primary poll.  (5/28/2015)
Republican presidential candidates find little elbow room in latest Fox News poll.  (5/16/2015)
Latest Public Policy Polling (PPP) numbers keep Republican candidates in a jumble.  (5/14/2015)
The Florida Boys leave Scott Walker in "show" position in latest Republican presidential horse race poll.  (5/5/2015)
Tracking the national Republican presidential primary polls.  (4/3/2015)
Scott Walker tied for 2nd with 'Dunno' in latest CNN/ORC poll. (3/19/2015)
Don't know/no answer/somebody else/won't vote leads latest Quinnipiac Republican Presidential primary poll.  (3/6/2015)
Someone else/no one, Ben Carson have best 1-2 punch in Public Policy poll.  (2/24/2015)
On the merry-go-round: Mike Huckabee takes the lead in the latest Republican Presidential preference poll.  (2/18/2015)

New Hampshire Republicans seem to be tiring of the Donald Trump Show


Ratings are down 20 percentage points since mid-October.


The behinders in the 10/29-11/1 WBUR/Mass Inc poll:
  • 6% - Ted Cruz
  • 5% - Carly Fiorina
  • 3% - Rand Paul
  • 1% - Bobby Jindal, George Pataki
  • 0% - Rick Santorum, Mike Huckabee, Lindsey Graham

Related posts: 
"Oh, wow!": Four Republican candidates peaking in New Hampshire. (11/2/2015)
New Hampshire Republicans not warming up to Ben Carson. (10/26/2015)
The two most recent New Hampshire Republican polls do little to change the picture out there.  (10/20/2015)
Donald Trump takes a commanding lead in New Hampshire -- but then it's a Gravis Marketing poll.  (10/10/2015)
It certainly looks as though the thrill is gone for Donald Trump in New Hampshire.  (10/4/2015)
Carson sacked for a 10-yard loss in New Hampshire.   (9/26/2015)
Donald Trump is losing steam in New Hampshire.  (9/16/2015)
Donald Trump continues to rock New Hampshire Republicans' world.  (8/26/2015)
Speaking of panic, I see that Scott Walker is now in 8th place in New Hampshire.  (9/13/2015)
The latest from New Hampshire: Outlier poll or more evidence that Scott Walker's numbers are ebbing.  (8/11/2015)
Donald Trump cruises to another win.  (8/4/2015)
Trump stomps the competition in New Hampshire; Kasich moves up to tie Walker for 3rd
.  (7/28/215) 
Donald Trump surges into 1st place in New Hampshire.  (7/27/2015)
Jeb Bush Experiencing Some Serious Slippage in New Hampshire.  (4/16/2015) 
Big spikes for Scott Walker, Donald Trump in most recent New Hampshire poll.  (4/13/2015)
New Hampshire Republican Presidential primary voters are having trouble making up their minds.  (3/31/2015)
Another day, another New Hampshire Presidential primary poll.  (3/28/2015)
New Hampshire: Jeb Bush holds slim lead among crowded GOP pack in NBC News/Marist poll.  (2/17/2015)

So far, Rep. Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem) is content to pick on the unemployed rather than focus on her WEDC concerns



As quoted in Unemployment Benefits Fraud “2-Strikes” Bill Passes Assembly.  (News release, 11/3/2015)

Related article:
Kerkman: Defrauding WEDC should be a crime.  (Racine Journal-Times, 9/6/2015)
Eaton Corp. sending 83 more WI jobs to Mexico despite WEDC tax credits.  (WKOW, 8/31/2015)

Related post:
Rep. Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) remains silent on WEDC's scamming the system.  (11/4/2015)
Scott Allen (R-Waukesha) remains silent on WEDC's betrayal of the public trust.  (11/4/2015)

Will the real Samantha Kerkman please stand up?

Rep. Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) remains silent on WEDC's scamming the system



As quoted in Supports Public Benefit Reform Bills.  (News release, 11/3/20156)

Related article: 
Walker drops WEDC merger plans after scathing audit.  (Appleton Post-Crescent,  5/8/2015)

Related post:
Scott Allen (R-Waukesha) remains silent on WEDC's betrayal of the public trust.  (11/4/2015)

Scott Allen (R-Waukesha) remains silent on WEDC's betrayal of the public trust


He'd rather beat up on the poor and unemployed.


As quoted in Representative Scott Allen supports curtailing fraud, waste and abuse.  (News release, 11/3/2015)

Related item:
Letter: Walker, GOP have wasted taxpayer money.  (Wausau Daily Herald, 9/30/2014)

Related Scott Allen post:
Wisconsin Assembly Representative wants your money -- ALL of it!  (10/25/2015)

Related WEDC posts:
WEDC open for business: Another 'no vetting' special deal.  (10/15/2015)
Scott Walker's growing list of things worth considering: U.S.-Canada border wall, wreaking havoc in Washington, tougher penalties for WEDC fraud   (9/8/2015)
Todd Jensen, former WEDC underwriter, provides the recipe for the current agency disaster.  (8/9/2015)
We know Scott Walker didn't graduate from college, but apparently he hasn't been paying attention to anyone but himself since kindergarten.  (6/25/2015)
4:24 p.m. Friday WEDC news dump.  (6/20/2015)
The stink of WEDC follows Brenda Hicks-Sorensen to Nebraska.  (6/16/2015) 
Scott Walker tries to run, but there's no place to hide.  (5/26/2015)
No matter how you slice it, Alberta, it's still stinky cheese.  (5/23/2015)
Joint Finance Republicans to Scott Walker:  "You're Fired!".  (5/21/2015)
Chairman of the Board of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation -- Nice work if you can get it.  (5/20/2015)
It's story time.  (5/18/2015)
From the pay-to-play archives: The William Minihan-Scott Walker connection.  (5/17/2015) 
What's wrong with this Scott Walker headline?  (5/16/2015)
Chairman of the Board Scott Walker's BIG, BOLD idea.  (5/8/2015) 
Based on WEDC's previous track record, this is what came to mind when I saw first saw this headline.  (4/2/2015)
Apparently, being the CFO of WEDC is not much of a resume-builder.  (3/13/2015)
WEDC's revolving door.  (9/12/2014)
Here's how the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is "Reinventing Economic Development".  (8/24/2014) 
Company looks to expand its business geographic focus?  (8/14/2014)
Scott Walker and the horrible, terrible, no good, very transparent day.  (7/28/2014)
Kestrel Aircraft: All these incentives, but no construction, no jobs.  (7/13/2014)
The Eaton Corporation/WEDC timeline of shame.  (7/10/2014)
Wisconsin featured in report on privatized state economic development agencies.  (10/25/2013)
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation pledge: Following the money.  (7/23/2013)
Incompetence rewarded.  (5/9/2013)
And while we're at it, let's take a look at WEDC 's core values. (5/9/2013)
WEDC Public Information Officer Resigns After 1 Month on the Job.  (5/9/2013)
Plenty of time for messaging but none for fixing what ails WEDC.  (5/9/2013)
Previous WEDC audits?  What previous audits?  (5/8/2013)
Are you seeing a trend yet?  (5/8/2013)
Echoes.  (5/7/2013)
Get me rewrite.  (5/4/2013)
Legislative Audit Bureau Report on Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: The "Cliff Notes" Version.  (5/3/2013
"Tales of woe never end at WEDC."  (4/25/2013)
Enterprise Florida and