Retiring Guy's Digest: 2015-12-27

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Trump on top in Nevada

The behinders in the 12/23-27 Gravis Marketing poll:

1% - Rand Paul, Rick Santorum
0% - John Kasich, Mike Huckabee

Recent state polls:
American Research Group poll in New Hampshire scrambles the picture. (12/26/2015)
Ted Cruz is like this bouncing ball in 3 most recent Iowa polls. (12/26/2015)
Trump continues to dominate in Georgia; Cruz in 2nd. (12/19/2015)
Trump in 1st, Cruz surges into 2nd, Rubio treads water in Florida. (12/19/2015)
New Hampshire: 5 months, 28 polls, 28 1st place finishes for Donald Trump. (12/19/2015)
Donald Trump, Ted Cruz remain in seesaw battle for 1st in Iowa; Jeb Bush quietly re-emerges. (12/15/2015)
Georgia Republicans go gaga over Donald Trump; Ben Carson gets the cold shoulder. (12/12/2015)
Trump maintains comfortable lead in 2 latest South Carolina polls. (12/10/2015)

Carson jilted, Trump bouncy-bouncy, many respondents just plain loony in latest North Carolina Republican primary poll. (12/8/2015)
Chris Christie no favorite son in New Jersey; Donald Trump rules for now. (11/18/2015)
Carson continues ascent in Virginia, Bush going the way of Scott Walker; Rubio bobs. (11/18/2015)
Trump, Cruz on upswing; Carson, Bush on downslide in latest Texas Republican primary poll. (11/12/2015)
As the polls churn in Arizona: Trump and Fiorina = big losers; Carson and Rubio = big winners. (11/11/2015)

Wisconsin voters don't necessarily heed Scott Walker's advice to dump Trump. (10/1/2015)

Scott Walker quickly flames out in Michigan. (9/17/2015)

Donald Trump as video recruiter for ISIS? Not so implausible, apparently

As quoted in No evidence for Hillary Clinton's claim that ISIS is using videos of Donald Trump as recruiting tool. (Politifact, 12/19/2015)

That was then, this is now.
Al-Shabaab recruit video with Trump excerpt: U.S. is racist, anti-Muslim. (CNN, 1/2/2015)

The video has yet to be verified as authentic. An al Qaeda affiliate has apparently released a new recruitment video, telling Muslims in America that the country has a long history of racism and discrimination and will turn on its Muslim community.

The video purportedly by Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab uses historic civil rights era footage of firebrand Malcolm X and audio of 2016 presidential candidate Donald Trump to label the United States a racist society.

But it is, of course, a real possibility.

Today in gun news

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Madison.com

CNN

Mike Huckabee to complete the full Grassley -- to no avail

The more they see him, the more they dislike him.

Source: Real Clear Politics

Huckabee to hit Iowa campaign milestone Thursday. (Des Moines Register, 1/1/2016 )

Obviously, a complete water of time. A few Republican presidential candidates had said they planned to complete the “full Grassley,” a campaign strategy named after Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, who visits all of the state’s counties each year. One candidate who planned to visit all of Iowa's counties, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, has since dropped out of the race.

Another, Rick Santorum, the former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, completed the milestone in September. He began logging his visits in 2012, according to a Des Moines Register article.

Related posts:
Scott Walker and his obsession with the 'full Grassley'. (9/13/2015)

Not a superior mayor offers flimsy, unconvincing apology for ill-considered remarks about Obamas

When is an apology not an apology?

In this case, when the apology omits the target of your remarks.

Photo credit: City of Superior

As quoted in Hagen apologizes for ‘poor choice of words’. (Superior Telegram, 1/1/2016)

A Superior dick

Wir fahr'n fahr'n fahr'n auf der Bicycle Autobahn

Germany opens first stretch of bicycle ‘autobahn’. (road.cc, 12/29/2015)

In Germany, cycling infrastructure is a local government responsibility. Cities to be linked include Duisburg, Bochum and Hamm as well as four universities. Martin Toennes of regional development group RVR said that almost two million people live within 2km of the route and will be able to use sections for commuting. A study by the group calculates the track should take 50,000 cars off the roads every day.

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Only to take a nosedive after Carson's failed effort to overtake Trump

Source: Real Clear Politics

Top Carson Staffers Resign Amid Campaign Shake-Up. (Wisconsin Public Radio, 12/31/2015)

But Williams played down his clashes with the top staffers in an interview with NPR and said that under the leadership of Bennett and Watts, Carson rose to nearly topple Donald Trump in the polls.

Meanwhile, Carson has left a message with his newest top staffers.

Michael Nuhfer (1946-2015) Warren Area High School

Warren Times Observer

1964 Dragon yearbook

1967 Warren City Directory (county section)

Nuhfer Katherine 522 Crescent Park (cemetery?)

1983 Warren City Directory

Nuhfer Michl E & Merleen blksmith PDMS rRussell PA

'Michael' has been a top performer since 1943.

Iowa, South Carolina TV stations take a big hit with Jeb Bush focus on ground game

And with video clinkers like this one, it's a wise move.

Jeb Bush cancels Iowa TV buy, shifts money to ground game. (Des Moines Register, 12/30/2015)

Diaz said the campaign is removing $3 million in previously reserved TV time: an Iowa buy of about $1 million and a January buy in South Carolina of about $2 million. It's instead increasing direct voter contact with a total of 60 additional staffers.

I'm not sure if anything will help Jeb Bush at this point.

Source: Real Clear Politics

When desperation rules the campaign:
Hear the One About Jeb Bush’s Humor? You Have to Listen Closely. (The New York Times, 12/25/2015)

As his campaign has struggled to rejuvenate a languishing bid, some close to him have suggested the existence of a (very) secret weapon: It is at least possible that Jeb Bush is funny.

Waterlogged interstate highway closed

Video from Wednesday, December 30.

Flooding shuts down major interstate near St. Louis. (Madison.com, 12/31/2015)

Other connections between St. Louis and adjacent counties already are closed, including I-44 over the Meramec. The closures forced traffic onto other nearby roads, creating gridlock.

Related post:
In the news: Historic floods along Mississippi River. (12/30/2015)

Dear Wisconsin taxpayers, Thanks for the help with my own blueprint for prosperity. Love, Scott Walker

Amid heavy travel, Scott Walker security team racked up $577,000 in OT. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/30/2015)

"It's just excessive," said state Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton). "Taxpayers paid for an entourage for him and it wasn't necessary. There's no excuse for it."

He called on Walker's campaign to reimburse taxpayers for overtime costs when he was doing political work, but there were no signs the governor planned to do that.

File under fiction: Scott Walker provides his own press release for Hawaii Lincoln Day appearance

As quoted in Scott Walker tabbed to headline Hawaii Republicans' Lincoln Day event in February. (Madison.com, 12/31/2015)

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

The Donald Trump chronicles: Katrina makes a wave

Trump spokesperson who sported bullet necklace on CNN threatens to wear a fetus next time. (Raw Story, 12/30/2015)

Just like the hokey pokey: That's what it's all about. Katrina Pierson, whose appearances on TV representing the billionaire businessman only seem to add more controversy to his campaign, stopped by CNN”s “The Lead” to discuss Trump’s decision to go after former President Bill Clinton while wearing the necklace made up of interlinked bullet cartridges. [Italicized emphasis added]

Photo and resume credit: LinkedIn

Doing some digging:

Texas Tribune. Katrina is not listed on staff webpage.
The Pierson Consulting Group appears to be a vanity project -- literally.
WFAA-TV opinions.
Gowdy returned the Tea Party Leadership Fund donation. (National Review, 12/29/2015)
ShePAC was founded by Tim Crawford, who served as treasurer of SarahPAC. Yes, as in Sarah Palin.
America's Web Radio

Dear elected officlals of all stripes, Leave It To Beaver has been in reruns for 52 years

Mom gets top billing. (Click on the video and see for yourself.)

Pew Research

It’s no longer a ‘Leave It to Beaver’ world for American families – but it wasn’t back then, either. (Pew Research Center, 12/30/2015)

Misremembering the past. But even then, what some people hold up as the quintessential “traditional” family type was far from universal: In 1960, just half of children were living in this type of arrangement. By 1980, the share had dropped to 26%. It continued to decline until the 1990s, and has since remained fairly stable, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data.

When our elected officials use the phrase "hardworking American families" -- and these three words are routinely bandied about -- let's ask them for a description of exactly who they are talking about.

Leave It To Beaver

Open season for cattiness: Judging Kyle Smith on his looks

Photo credit: New York Film Critics Circle

As quoted in NY Post Critic to Carrie Fisher: Actors Really Should Be Judged on Looks. (The Wrap, 12/30/2015)

Speaking of someone "who profited nicely from their looks'.

Photo credit: IMdb

In the news: Shenzhen, China

Shenzhen Landslide Casts Shadow Over China’s Success Story. (The New York Times, 12/23/2015)

Even as the broader Chinese economy has slowed and as housing values have slumped across much of China, the Shenzhen juggernaut has barreled ahead. High-tech start-ups replaced the factories that had made the city a pioneering showcase of Chinese-style capitalism. Millions of young people moved here from across the country. Construction is everywhere, with prices of new homes surging.

In the news again: Shake and bake meth bottles

From National Geographic, no less.

Hundreds of 'shake and bake' meth bottles found in Green County; three arrested. (Madison.com, 12/30/2015)

A major methamphetamine operation was shut down in Green County on Monday, with police seizing over 400 "shake and bake" meth-making bottles and arresting three people.

Related post:
No, honey, you can't help grandma with this recipe. (9/23/2014)
You never know who you're going to run into at the library. (2/26/2014)

Based on this economist's track record, I wouldn't count your chickens before they hatch

Photo credit: CFA Society of Philadelphia

As quoted in Worker salaries poised to climb in 2016. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/28/2015)

Related reading:
The Abysmal Track Record of Moody’s Mark Zandi. (The Big Picture, 9/23/2010)

Never mind that, based on Zandi’s record, either his analysis is just wrong or his independence is compromised. Everyone seems to like to hear the guy who is saying what people want to hear, even the press appears to prefer “feel good” analysis to considering the accuracy of his record.

Those of you who have seen The Big Short will especially appreciate this Zandi pronouncement made on October 27, 2006.

“The housing market correction is in full swing but it probably has another year to go before it bottoms out.”

In the news: Historic floods along Mississippi River

Rare winter event wreaks havoc in Illinois, Missouri. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/29/2015)

A rare winter flood pushed swollen rivers and streams to virtually unheard-of heights Tuesday, sparking widespread evacuations and the transfer of inmates from an Illinois state prison as Missouri's governor activated the National Guard to help divert traffic away from submerged roads.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said water from the rising Mississippi River and its tributaries threatened to spill over 19 federal levees, putting hundreds of homes in jeopardy.

Mississippi River at St. Louis

Don't look for this bill allowing local control to move forward in the Republican-controlled Wisconsin legislature

Even though it conforms to a dearly (but very loosely) held GOP principle.

Republican Party of Wisconsin

Proposed Wisconsin law to give cities more power over tobacco licenses. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/29/2015)

Wisconsin lawmakers are circulating a bill for co-sponsors that would give municipalities the power to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew tobacco licenses of businesses with documented nuisance activity, such as drug dealing and prostitution.

The process would be very similar to how cities deal with businesses licensed to sell alcohol, said State Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee).

Other cartoon conservative pcinciples posts:
Cartoon conservative principles, the Christmas edition: Rep. Kremer accuses fire officials of 'relieving themselves' (12/23/2015)
Cartoon conservative principles on full display this week at the Wisconsin State Capitol. (12/18/2015)
Once again, Wisconsin Republicans assert their cartoon conservative principle (2015 Assembly Bill 568). (12/16/2015)
Out of (local) control: When it comes to anything resembling a train, Republicans just can't help themselves. (12/1/2015)
Scott Walker pays lip service to local control as he continues to sign bills to limit it. (10/26/2015)

Cartoon conservative principles in action: Taking away local control from school boards. (10/25/2015)

UPDATE: Let's follow the Shea money from Wingra Stone to Scott Walker. (10/20/2015)
UPDATE. Sorry, Tim Geoghegan, a total of $11,750 in donations is not a "bunch of bull". (10/20/2015)
Once again, Wisconsin Republicans violate their most precious principle. (7/4/2015)
Cartoon conservative principles. (5/6/2015)
The Usual Hypocrisy: What Scott Walker sez on his campaign website and what he does in the Governor's office are two different things. (5/2/2015)
The "hits" to local control just keep on coming. (2/28/2015)
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)
Your Wisconsin Republican Assembly hard at work promoting Governor Walker's jobs agenda (and GOP principles). (11/15/2013)

Robin Vos sez, "They don't want rebranding because they think WEDC's brand is OK."

'They' being unnamed official at the agency and the local level.

Some brand, huh?

Wisconsin State Journal, 5/18/2015

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 11/19/2015

WKOW, 12/9/2015

Fond du Lac Reporter, 8/24/2014

Wisconsin Public Radio, 5/1/2013

There's lots more:
WEDC board members say, "Gee, maybe we should start vetting requests for financial assistance." (12/14/2015)
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. (2/28/20150

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos tells his NRA neanderthal colleagues it probably ain't gonna happen

Meet the gun-totin' crew, including the gasket-blowin' Bob Gannon (far right, top row)

The mostly male whiteness of the....

2015 Senate Bill; 353

Assembly speaker Robin Vos: Campus carry bill probably won't happen. (Wisconsin State Journal, 12/29/2015)

21 out of 63 colleagues ain't enuf. Vos, a ~~Rochester~~
Roschach test Republican, says he supports the concept of carrying weapons in campus buildings. But while he has not discussed the Republican-authored bill with his caucus, Vos said he has not heard an outcry in support of it from his colleagues.

Dear white evangelical Protestants, I have a few questions for you

Source: Religion Dispatches

1. When was the last time you were denied service at a restaurant or other business due to your religious beliefs?

2. When was the last time you were unable to move into a particular neighborhood due to your religious beliefs?

3 . When was the last time you weren't hired for a job due to your religious beliefs?

4. When was the last time you were harassed for your (assumed) religious beliefs while attempting to board an airplane?

Looks like George Pataki just dropped in to see what condition his condition was in

Barely registering.

Source: Real Clear Politics

Report: Pataki drops out of presidential race. (USA Today, 12/29/2015)

The former New York governor told USA TODAY last month that the presidential race was turning into a “'reality gong show.”

Yup, George, it's over.

From Walker/Bush to Trump/Cruz: A year's worth of Quinnipiac Presidential primary polls

Picture this: The final ABC News/Washington Post poll of 2015 has Trump pumpin' up the jam on the polls dance floor. (With 38%)

Quinnipiac has Trump treading water since mid-August.

Source: Real Clear Politics

Related posts:
2015 Republican Presidential primary polls in review: ABC News/Washington Post. (12/24/2015)

Tea Party alert: Glenn Grothman supports increase in federal gas tax

Which has been stuck at 18.4 cents per gallon since 1992.

Source: about.com

Grothman looking for road funding fix. (WHBY, 12/28/2015)

Republican Congressman Glenn Grothman of Campbellsport thinks increasing the gas tax is the fairest way to raise that money.

U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman also supported an increase in the state gas tax while serving in the Wisconsin legislature.

Grothman supports gas tax increase; WisDOT says it doesn't need the money. (The Political Environment, 12/18/2008)

In this regard, Grothman is on the same page as his predecessor, of whom he said, "If I get compared to Tom Petri in two years, I'd be insulted."

Petri proposing raising the federal gas tax. (Pierce County Herald, 12/4/2014)

Well, Glenn, it's just a year later.

In most cases, however......
Glenn Grothman's moving service. (11/16/2015)
Glenn Grothman: Still trying to get to 'yes' with Paul Ryan. (10/18/2015)
Dear Glenn Grothman, Breaking up is hard to do. (10/17/2015)
He's a guy, and has access to 'all machines that one would need'. (9/29/2015)
Meet the Members of the Republican Study Committee: Glenn Grothman (R-WI, 6th District). (8/18/2015)
What about seeing the light, Representative Grothman? (8/11/2015)
Glenn Grothman's gibberish in full flower. (7/1/2015)
Rep. Glenn Grothman puts corporate personhood first. (6/23/2015)
Glenn Grothman Finds His Voice in Washington, D.C. (6/19/2015)
Glenn Grothman goes seriously bland on us. (5/12/2015)
Glenn Grothman's lips are zipped. (4/9/2015)
Glenn Grothman Speaks the Language of the Godfather of states' rights. (1/13/2015)
Glenn Grothman, Quiet Man. (10/12/2014)
Tom Petri returns the favor to Glenn Grothman. (9/5/2014)
Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District primary: Less than 12% of voters paid attention. (8/24/2014)
Hey guys and gals, Scott Walker is not 100% convinced that Glenn Grothman can win the 6th CD. (8/23/2014)
Career politician Glenn Grothman moves one step closer to Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District general election. (8/22/2014)
To the tune of $692,000. (8/14/2014)
Glenn Grothman: A man without a mandate. (8/14/2014)
Glenn Grothman to Tom Petri: Thank you for your 35 years of service. (8/1/2014)
Duey Stroebel can't be bothered with fundraising, looks to buy seat instead. (8/1/2014)
Clearly, "common-sense bills" and "Grothman" should never be used in the same sentence. (7/9/2014)
Two career politicians pledge limited service in the U.S. House of Representatives. (7/8/2014)
Glenn Grothman, Affirmative Action, and the demographics of Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District. (4/28/2014)

Monday, December 28, 2015

Barney Fife: The Original Tea Party Patriot?

Photo credit: Crows Nest Politics

As quoted in Tea partyers fume over Paul Ryan’s spending bill, seek conservative challenger. (Washington Times, 12/24/2015)

Related post:
The Green Bay Tea Party has already had enough of Paul Ryan. (12/28/2015)

The Green Bay Tea Party has already had enough of Paul Ryan

so sez the Green Bay Wisconsin Tea Party

on its homepage

Tea partyers fume over Paul Ryan’s spending bill, seek conservative challenger. (Washington Times, 12/24/2015)

“There are people who are seriously looking for that,” said James Murphy, founder of Green Bay Tea Party. “There is a sympathetic ear to having someone beat him.”

The Ryan campaign team in Wisconsin has shrugged off the threats, treating them as mere talk in the absence of a viable candidate to mount a challenge in the district.

Too many Blue Books on hand? Rep. Sondy Pope takes a proactive approach.

A series of visits to all 9 public libraries in her district!

Press release, 12/28/2015

80th Assembly District

More evidence that Super PACs aren't what they're cracked up to be

Photo credit: LinkedIn

As quoted in Super PAC millions show little return in Iowa so far. (Des Moines Register, 12/27/2015)

Source: Real Clear Politics

The first Republican primary debate was held on Thursday, August 6, 2015, after which his poll numbers tanked.

What Iowa viewers saw was not a candidate with whom they could connect.