The 'right' to have government workers in a union is similar to the 'right' to own a home - and we have seen the financial chaos that these fabricated 'rights' can cause.

"...they [the Polish government] have made it clear that they never had any intention of restoring one of the most elemental human rights—the right to belong to a free trade union."
Ronald Reagan, former president of a union and the United States

justmy414 That's true, at least when they are at work. But now, they don't go to work - right when they are most needed.

Cullen and the 14 ARE HEROS. They unlike the republican senators will return your calls, and emails. The republicans spend thier time trying to ignore the public, unless you happen to be a Koch brother.

A better way to end the Democrats' hiding out is to recall and replace them.

Obviously Cullen has on rose colored glasses. If he believes the state is split down the middle. There is much more support for Gov Walker than for the minority few union workers. Cullen along with all other missing Senators should be recalled this is not REPRESENTATION!!!

vatoloco, returning to your use of an anonymous alias to incite the harassment of an innocent man solely because you don't like the manner of his public protests at...a protest, I can only ask you your question: Is that the behavior that children should learn?

Hm. Seems you've forgotten you weren't discussing a "peaceful protest" on public land, OkieFed. Nor did I say anything about such a thing. You did, however, admit that you've "been sending him an e-mail each day," shown you've gone to the trouble of searching for his court records, and are now bragging about it here while disparaging him further as someone particularly deserving of your harassment, despite your advice that the teacher "focus on his own personal life...as opposed to casting stones." So, again, I ask: do you know you're a hypocrite?

Okiefed-This guy would be the perfect poster child for an anti-liberal campaign.

"This is your brain on liberalism"

Whoopsies...
"I would like to hear more of an explanation from Governor Walker as to what exactly was being considered, and to what degree it was discussed by his cabinet members. I find it very unsettling and troubling that anyone would consider creating safety risks for our citizens and law enforcement officers. Our department works hard dialoging with those who are exercising their First Amendment right, those from both sides of the issue, to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure they can demonstrate safely. I am concerned that anyone would try to undermine these relationships. I have a responsibility to the community, and to the men and women of this department - who are working long hours protecting and serving this community – to find out more about what was being considered by state leaders." - Madison, WI Chief of Police

"I think that he should focus on his own personal life...as opposed to casting stones," says the person who admits they've "been sending him an e-mail each day, but thus far no response."
Do you know you're a hypocrite, or...?
.
"...but thus far no response."
.
Maybe you'll get lucky and be served with a restraining order? Keep it up, OkieFed! : )

Yes, vatoloco, you would like to incite the harassment of this man.
.
"But its ok for this cave dwelling neanderthal..."
.
Really?
.
"...to scream over a reporter while he is trying to report the news."
.
Yes, a reporter who held no entitlement to the ground he stood on and who was free to walk away, just as the teacher was free to chant. A reporter who instead chose to become confrontational with the teacher and totally lose any objectivity he might have had.
.
"Only in Madison is this deemed acceptable. Only in Madison."
.
Right. No one's ever been contemptuous of the press before. It's purely a Madison thing.
.
"Is this what students in his class should learn, scream over your opposition like a baby with a tantrum?"
.
Do you believe that students should be raised by their public school teachers instead of their parents? These students have no prior upbringing or minds of their own to choose whether or not to follow his example?
It's a protest, not a debate. Noisy chanting, cheering, singing, etc are the norm, so the press, especially that of the "opposition" as you phrase it, have no reason to expect cooperation or convenience.
Returning to your use of an anonymous alias to incite the harassment of an innocent man solely because you don't like the manner of his public protests at...a protest, I can only ask you your question: Is that the behavior that children should learn? Maybe this teacher's students could instead learn that they will have to work with/underneath people who they may not personally agree with but who they'll have to professionally engage with?

vat,
yes, unions will lose political clout and democrats will lose a ton of money. That is the real reason for this.
.
7/10 top contributors for the 2010 elections were corporations/groups that supported republicans.
.
3/10 went to democrats...ALL UNIONS! If those three unions are weakened enough (ohio, new jersey, wisconsin, etc...) then perhaps 9/10 or 10/10 top contributors will be for the republicans.
.
Like it or not that would hurt the democratic party and we would be on the verge of a one-party system.
.
Do you think America would be better or worse with only one major political party?

Does the quote "Elections have consequences ring a bell? A big huge porkulus bill was pushed down the throats of the American people, you think Obama cared what the people who voted McCain thought? I don't think so.
.
Do we have a single-payer health care system?
.
Because he does believe what the McCain voters thought.

"You realize, the democratic process had already taken place"

You really mean closed doors meetings with no transparency right?

"We did not realize, on election day, that this man would without negotiation or compromise propose a law that would strip bargaining rights for public employees, strip the ability of the union to be effective and then make unions an option."

This is a big piece of the puzzle for sound fiscal responsibility because unions always want financial security of some sort that ends up being picked by the taxpayers. Why us that fair?

To say that this isn't about the money is absurd. Unions stand to lose political clout because their contributions will diminish. This should be illegal because it creates a lot of tension between taxpayers and the unions. It is very political, have you read FDR's quotes. These unions are placing a strangle hold on the way the government works/will of the people. Their should be no place for this type of obstruction in the democratic process.

"I believe democracy begins, it does not end with an election. Just because Gov. Walker won, similar to when President Obama won, does not mean they can do whatever they want.'

Does the quote "Elections have consequences ring a bell? A big huge porkulus bill was pushed down the throats of the American people, you think Obama cared what the people who voted McCain thought? I don't think so.

votoloco,
one other thing...on the only in Madison front...at least these protesters don't need a producer to pump up the crowd. Unlike the tea party people...where would they be without fox news.
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkOKVw2Tc...

vatoloco,
.
In 2008, when President Obama won the election did you sit by and watch him pass, say health care?
.
You realize, the democratic process had already taken place..then why was the entire 2009 Summer, "The Summer of Hate", a movement against President Obama's Healthcare Law? Really, did all those people screaming and yelling at town-hall meetings not realize the process had already taken place? Were they to ignorant to know on election day that President Obama wanted universal health care?
.
That argument is simply lazy. yes, Gov. Walker was elected in November. yes, Gov. Walker promised to balance the budget. Yes, gov. walker was known to be an non-friendly towards unions. We get that.
.
We did not realize, on election day, that this man would without negotiation or compromise propose a law that would strip bargaining rights for public employees, strip the ability of the union to be effective and then make unions an option.
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Nobody could have predicted that when the unions gave him the financial part of the bill that he still wouldn't compromise on the collective bargaining part.
.
I wonder how many could have predicted that Gov. Walker would avoid talking to democrats but gladly spend 20 minutes on the phone with a Koch brother. How many would have guessed that he would propose NO BID contracts or more tax cuts for corporations?
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I believe democracy begins, it does not end with an election. Just because Gov. Walker won, similar to when President Obama won, does not mean they can do whatever they want.
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For as much criticism that you and other place on Obama for not negotiating...compared to Walker..Obama gave the republicans EVERTHING THEY WANTED...in comparison.

vatoloco: only in Madison? Are you nuts? Observe these tea-baggers shouting down a CNN News reporter in Washington DC:
http://www.breitbart.tv/go-home-dc-crowd...

"to harass this man."

No one is questioning his education. I know many teachers with masters degrees that don't even utilize these summer seminar/workshop meetings that led to 6 credits in the classroom. They only lead to more salary and not to a sound return on investment for the students.

But its ok for this cave dwelling neanderthal to scream over a reporter while he is trying to report the news. Only in Madison is this deemed acceptable. Only in Madison.

Is this what students in his class should learn, scream over your opposition like a baby with a tantrum?

Yes, "well played" by vatoloco in his attempt to disparage a teacher who holds a masters degree because that teacher publicly put his first amendment rights to use. How dare he protest? How dare he earn compensation befitting his education? How dare he annoy a Fox reporter? Truly, vatoloco (who will never post his personal information or repeat in public what he types here under an alias) is right to incite others to harass this man. Well played, indeed!
And I'm not sure what situation you're talking about, 916WI. I don't recall Democrats demanding that unions give up their right to collectively bargain.

Here is a link to the complete recording of Walker's conversation with a person he believes to be billionaire tea-party financier David Koch. Anyone who, after hearing this, believes that this is about anything other than busting the unions is an idiot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WKZlum7m......

Vato....That's awesome! I'm sure the Hartland school district was really proud of how well spoken and intellectuality stimulating their $95,000/yr employees are! Way to represent your school sir--well played:)

Here is the video of the teacher who makes 95K a year (pay and benefits) while there are Americans who are unemployed struggling to survive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1ANoJU1g...

inconvenienttruth........Do you honestly believe that democrats have never found themselves in the same situations with the labor unions that support them.......We're talking about politics here--you can't be that naive.......can you?

http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dl...

Look him up yourself. Who is your daddy now incon?

First name

Fred

Last name

Levenhagen

Year and session

2009/10

Highest degree

Master's degree

Local experience

1.3

Salary

$57,528

Fringe

$37,409

Position title

Teacher

assign descript

Social Studies (Fusion Course)

Low grade served

08

High grade served

08

Bilingual code

No

Full time equivalency

80%

Work site

Lake Country Sch Dist / Lake Country School

County name

Waukesha County

"But the left has no issue with bussing in troublemaking loser leftists from other states to protest." - vatoloco
.
What evidence is there that non-Tea Party protesters were bussed in? What "trouble" was made? Why are they "losers"?
And, most importantly, what does that have to do with Walker's admittal that his administration considered planting fake protesters?
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"And, Obummer has the nerve to say that this is an "assault on unions" but never mentions that the Democratic process (Nov. 2nd election) is important."
.
Or one could intelligently assume that, being in politics himself, the importance of that process is not lost on President Obama and is therefore a given.
Are you suggesting that Walker is justified through his election alone?

"57k plus a year with 34k plus in benefits totaling 90k as compensation package."
.
Cite sources, please.
Also, his income has what to do with Fox Lies...I mean, News?
.
"Yeah..he is hurting financially I am sure."
.
Aww, you still believe this is about money.

Governor Walker... Don't negotiate with these extortionist! These democrats dishonor the US Constitution, & don't deserve to be re-elected (IMO). Throw all the bums out! American's are getting tired of these games they like to play to get their way... games they play whether its a minority or majority backed bill. Their shameful.. & Obviously paid off by the Unions to halt this bill. Hey.. has anyone asked who's "Really" footing their bills while they're in IL?

Probably not...

Yes I have read the bill and much of it was repealed amendments, every single item referring to collective bargaining was strike-through and replaced with safety positions. Major union busting.

Cullen-proof that dinosaurs once roamed the Earth.

"On considering using plants in the crowds.
FAKE KOCH: "...what we were thinking about the crowds was, uh, was planting some troublemakers.""

But the left has no issue with bussing in troublemaking loser leftists from other states to protest.

And, Obummer has the nerve to say that this is an "assault on unions" but never mentions that the Democratic process (Nov. 2nd election) is important. That my friends, is the sickness we have to conversate with.

Who was it that said, "Election have consequences". Yeah...that's right you know it.

By the way, that loser teacher from Lake Country Day School District in Hartland, WI. The one who was yelling "Fox lies, "Fox lies", "Fox lies" makes 57k plus a year with 34k plus in benefits totaling 90k as compensation package. Yeah..he is hurting financially I am sure.

http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=62153

Here is the school link if you wish to send him a nice email.

Name-Fred Levenhagen, 8th grade teacher

http://www.lcs.k12.wi.us/staff/directory...

who on here, other than me, has read this bill ? http://legis.wisconsin.gov/JR1SB-11.pdf very little is about union busting. the real issues i have with this bill are not the unions. things like selling power plants to private companies (after giving back federal funds). This is a HUGE power Grab for walker..before you hang cullen, find out what he is really fighting against. check this out. someone is already looking for mgrs for these plants. http://www.thinkenergygroup.com/think.ns...

On threatening public employees.
WALKER: "I’ve got layoff notices ready. We put out the at-risk notices. We’ll announce Thursday, and they’ll go out early next week."
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On setting a trap.
WALKER: "I would be willing to sit down and talk to him, the assembly Democrat leader, plus the other two Republican leaders — talk, not negotiate — and listen to what they have to say...but I’ll only do it if all 14 of them come back and sit down in the state Assembly...legally, we believe, once they’ve gone into session, they don’t physically have to be there. If they’re actually in session for that day and they take a recess, the 19 Senate Republicans could then go into action and they’d have a quorum because they started out that way. But...if you heard that I was going to talk to them, that would be the only reason why...But I’m not negotiating."
FAKE KOCH: "Bring a baseball bat. That’s what I’d do."
WALKER: "I have one in my office; you’d be happy with that. I got a Slugger with my name on it."
.
On political favors from donors.
FAKE KOCH: Now what else could we do for you down there?
WALKER: "...after this, um, you know the coming days and weeks and months ahead, particularly in some of these, uh, more swing areas, a lot of these guys are gonna need...a message out reinforcing why this was a good thing to do for the economy and a good thing to do for the state."
.
On considering using plants in the crowds.
FAKE KOCH: "...what we were thinking about the crowds was, uh, was planting some troublemakers."
WALKER: "You know, the, well, the only problem with that — because we thought about that. The problem — the, my only gut reaction to that is right now the lawmakers I’ve talked to have just completely had it with them, the public is not really fond of this."
.
On personal favors from donors.
FAKE KOCH: "Well, I tell you what, Scott: once you crush these bastards I’ll fly you out to Cali and really show you a good time."
WALKER: "All right, that would be outstanding. Thanks for all the support..."

Tim Cullen is doing exactly what I elected him to do, fight for my rights. I applaud him and thank him for what he is doing. Keep up the good work, all 14 of you!

Keep up the good work, Sen. Cullen. Make sure that this bill doesn't pass. It is a sellout to corporate haves.
People, don't play into the divide and conquor strategy of the GOP. They are out for 1 thing:MONEY(yours).

Tim - You keep your hiding place secret because you don't want to be "hassled". What about the brave Republicans who are facing the public in Madison? COWARD

wortnik - nice conspiracy theory ! The editor of the liberal online newspaper posted it and took credit for it. http://host.madison.com/news/article_27f...

I think the prank phone call was a Republican set up.Walker could calmly state his positions and Satisfy his followers. Walker had the ability to make it look like he was set up and so could deny any relationship with the Kochs. The odds of just anyone pretending to be A Koch and getting a 20 minute phone call, especially since Walker and Koch have met are slimmer than the chances of Walker compromising with the Dems. It's a Win Win for Walker and I think He was in on it.

Senator Cullen, I know a way end the senators' hideout: Come back to Wisconsin and do your jobs. Crazy concept.
I remember reading in the paper before the election that you wanted to work with Republicans. This is not the way to do it. If you want to work with Republicans, go back to Wisconsin and talk to them-you and the other Democratic senators.

Lap dog...woof woof woof. Isn't this guy close to assuming room temperature any way.

Right on AreJ! Divide and conquer is exactly what they are doing.

trans44....The ONLY think that prank call proved was that Walker is not nearly as familiar with the Koch brothers as the left has alluded to. According to the left, Walker and the Koch brothers have been on a mission to take over the state, after reviewing what was said during that call, they barely know one another.........We can thank the left for dispelling one of their own rumors:)

Cass-State emloyees provide needed services. If Scott Walker is allowed to have his way, most of the public services will be hired out to private non-union interests who will increase costs every year without any regard to what it will cost the taxpayers of Wisconsin. Because they are not based in Wisconsin and could care less. Can you say Blackwater? Halliburton?

I don't believe anyone who voted for the DEM 14 is telling them to come home. They are trying to keep the over reaching party in power from steam rolling this unjust and dangerous bill through without compromise. They also got the majority of the votes in their Districts. And so they are doing what they believe is in the best interest of their constituents. They are not doing anything illegal. They are working in exile, and I am extremely proud of them.

The reason anyone is lucky to have a pension and health care is because the unions fought for it many years ago. If Walker busts the unions, low paying jobs will be everywhere, not just Walmart! It will go the way of Walmart, only parttime jobs w/o benefits. Walker is in the back pocket of the Koch Brothers. Listen to the prank call for proof!

Get back to Madison and do your job, Mr. Cullen, or resign. You and the other 13 obviously don't believe in the democratic process or else you would be there to cast your vote and not hiding. Since when is a strategy of running away part of the democratic process? Maybe the Republicans in the US House and Senate should have used this strategy during the first two years of Obama's term to stop voting for the stimulus plan and Obamacare. Oh yeah, they didn't. Instead, they showed up, voted, and took their lumps in losing. Then they let their disagreement with the legislation be heard, which is their right. However, they didn't stifle the process in the manner these 14 have. Whether or not you agree with the bill this is not the way to handle yourself as an elected official. When you get back please write a check to repay the state for all the time you missed and were still getting paid.

The way to end this is to show courage and return to work. Walker won-the dems lost. Its over.

You can feel generations of political power slipping through your fingertips can't you?

If you lack the courage of your own convictions let alone your responsibility as a representative, Mr Cullen, you should resign. I certainly hope that tax payer are not funding your little game of hid and hid some more.

(This comment was deemed to improperly have it's head "right on" by the site staff)

"You are a shill for the Nazis, and unable to understand or use reason. I don't even think you are a lady. I think you are an old, fat, bald male, paid by the teabagger repuke party to post on this site.

MSNBC is called MSLSD by Mark Levin. A proper fit.

Is your head "on right" righton?

I am always amazed when people call conservatives Nazis when in fact the Nazis controlled the state through their programs.

"In attestation to the incompetence of our public school system, liberals never tire of claiming that Hitler was the ultimate right-winger. As usual, they are completely wrong. Hitler’s party was the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. Liberals are always screeching about how conservatives are fascists. Jonah Goldberg does a masterful job of describing the fascist playbook:

Create crises.
Make appeals for “unity.”
Celebrate martial values.
Blur the lines between the public and private sectors.
Use the mainstream media to glamorize the state and its programs.
Make a lot of noise about “post partisanship.”
Form a cult of personality around the national leader."

Sen. Cullen cannot be doing the "right thing" as some have stated. He is violating his oath of office "faithfully to discharge the duties of their respective office." He has no duties right now than those in Madison. This not how disagreement should be handled; elections were held and will be held again. Tim, get back to work.

Rmember this is the guy who fought to save GM Janesville (according to him), GM is gone so he runs as the negotiation candidate (I will work with the opposite side) that work real good when you run and hide.
Get real admit your a fake, get back and vote, do your job!

DITTO: Senator Cullen, I salute you! Thanks for defending Wisconsin's hard-working public sector workers.

How can anyone assume to know if I watch GB or limbaugh are who I get info from?
I spend most time reading many news sites, even left wing. A lot of news stories are NOT closed captioned.

No cards, no gambling, no alcohol. Anyone notice he didn't say no women! 5 days away from work = a weeks less pay for all of them, would be a small start on balancing the states budget.........

Senator Cullen, I salute you! Thanks for defending Wisconsin's hard-working public sector workers.

This guy is a JOKE! Flat out lie in his statement: " He's taking calls from constituents"

NOT! No one will answer his phone and voice mail is full. Will not return e-mails. I guess he is right that it is "business as usuall" since when elected officials (Dem or Repub.) are not in hiding they do not return phone calls or e-mails either.

Cullen your actions have given fuel to future political opportunists who are given the oath of office only to spit in the face of the LAW when they feel the need. Your personal judgement is not relevant or needed. You were elected to listen to the voters wishes, not the scratch your back buddies. "RUN CULLEN RUN" like a criminal fleeing from justice,running because you cannot get your way. My 4 year old is acting more responsible today than you and your pals.

Senator Cullen: Your action has brought the true purpose of this overreach to the eyes of the country and the world. Thank you! Your actions will not be forgotten by my union brothers and sisters!

"No compromise. Now drag your sorry rear back and start to work for the constituency that voted you into office."
That is just it, he IS doing what he was voted into office to do. He is working to stop this abomination of a bill that is going to be devastating to the working families of the 15th senate district.
Sen. Cullen, I fully support you and the rest of the WI-14.

Kay13
Because Rachel Maddow is such a trusted unbiased source. You rip people like Limbaugh and Beck and say nothing about your left-wing liberal Maddow? What a surprise.
Come home and do your job Cullen. Imagine if the minority ran every time they didn't agree with a bill, there would never be another law or legislation passed. It is all part of the political process. Something has to be done to clean up Doyle's mess!

you have just written your dynasty of being relected. enjoy your last term!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cullen's solution is to raise taxes...well, isn't that why Governor Walker was overwhelmingly voted into office. On the backs of 5,000,000 Wisconsin taxpayers for government workers to keep the RICH unions in power & control. NO CONCESSIONS!!!

Stop being a coward Senator Cullen!

If you think staying out of the state is how you want to represent your district, fine, but tell us where you are.

It's pathetic that you are claim you are doing what the people want, as thousands of out of state union thugs invade madison - yet you are literally in hiding to make sure that you don't have to face the protests of those who disagree with you.

As long as you are in Illinois, you can't be forced to return to the Capitol, so refusing to say where you are just proves that this isn't about democracy. If it was about democracy, you'd be open about where you are so you could face the people, while still keeping your ability to delay the process. But clearly this is about keeping your hands on your union cash, while refusing the face the people to be held accountable for your decision.

Just like the teachers, if these people make the choice to not show up for work, terminate them! Actions have consequences. Funny how all these people of opposition resort to child-like behavior and they're the one's we're supposed to look to as "leaders". As the disconnected generation would say....LOL

Tim Cullen, Jesse Jackson, unions. Birds of a feather flock together. We do not need any of you !! Two of the above three are totally useless. You pick.

Those who are harping against our great Senator, Mr. Tim Cullen, are the same idiotic conservatives that did not vote for him! So stop this "what we elected you to do".....YOU did not vote for him, I DID!!!

Mr. Cullen and your 13 constituents, THANK YOU, stay as long as you want!

Signed,
Another taxpayer who fully supports your efforts!!!

Thank you, Senator Cullen! You make our district proud in upholding the oath of office which you took to represent your constituents with calm resolve at a time of few options. Those who know history know that even Lincoln jumped out of a window in the Illinois legislature long ago faced with similar circumstances. Don't worry about Wisconsin. I urge all to get to Madison to see the protest kept peaceful and united where the students, teachers, steel workers, firefighters, and yes, even the police are ALL working together in harmony sharing freely together moment to moment to keep the peace in spite of those who would try to incite them. I was present on Monday when a lone pro-Walker teenager was no only given the microphone to speak in the rotunda but was also met with a resounding chant of "Thank you, thank you.." and "This is what Democracy looks like". Contrary to some misleading reports, the Capitol building itself is in fine shape and the students are doing a superb job with clean-up crews. The PEOPLE are keeping Wisconsin and our Capitol building safe and well until Senators can return to a rational DISCUSSION instead of threats and blackmail. Well done, Sendators. Well done!

Raise taxes, that's Cullen's proposal? Mr Cullen, I will remember that you made a proposal to raise taxes, in order to help resolve budget shortfalls and feed spending during an economic crisis. I will remind anyone who defends you, that you have told the public you believe in raising taxes, in order to continue spending our money on things we can not afford, even to sustain budget shortfalls. I am critical of how we got to this point as well. The job at hand is to resolve a lack of money, while there is so little. We are experiencing simultanious record volume of joblessness, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and lack of funding for established public resources. You can not tax our way out of this. These turnips only have so much blood.

Thank you Senator Tim Cullen for your continued support of education in Wisconsin!

Didn't Illinois have a Governor recently that was so out of touch that he was mental?

He seems like a nice guy for a traitor.

thank you! you are doing the right thing.

There is no mention of what he is proposing.

Fully supports WI-14! Thank you for standing up for me, my family, and working families throughout the state!

Agreed completely. I used to live in the Milwaukee media market but left right about the time Walker started his time there. I knew there were some issues but never the extent. What do I care about Milwaukee politics, right? I get Madison news now. Oh, shoot, now two Milwaukee politicians are fighting for the governor's seat. I was more worried about Johnson/Feingold than Walker/Barrett. And now this. What a nightmare. Hopefully the damage can be contained while we wait for Walker's ousting.

Rizzo, I'm hoping that the Wisconsin media delves into Walker's history more. I'm shocked I didn't learn about Walker's problems in Milwaukee until Rachel Maddow's show. I also want to know how much money from Kochs is funding all of this now. We know how much they donated to Walker's campaign and how much they've paid for TV advertisements. But how much do they stand to gain from the power plant deals? I'm really concerned that some of our legislators have sold their soul to corporate America, and it's going to irreparably hurt Wisconsin's working families.

Kay, my thoughts exactly. I'm thinking tonight that Wisconsin is where the corporate money went one step too far. I'm really hoping the media picks up more on that side of this fiasco.

SarahB1, I don't think he has mental health issues. I just think that he overestimated the power of corporate money and he really, really underestimated the tenacity of Wisconsin's working families.

Do the 14 missing still collect a pay check even while they are away? Will they have Drs. write bogus sick slips so they still get paid??? Check back later...Same bat channel same bat time....

Senator Cullen's idea would work except that Walker would never give up an ounce of his ego-power to allow lawmakers to come up with a compromise. He has flatout rejected all compromises so far. That's unfortunate for all of us. I hold Walker responsible for this chaos continuing. I am beginning to wonder if the guy has mental health issues.

By staying in Illinois, the Wisconsin 14 are DEFINITELY representing their constituents and looking out for our state's citizens. Desperate times call for desperate measures. They know that Walker's proposed legislation is not about balancing the budget - it's about busting unions, taking away worker's rights, and funding private companies, like Koch Industries.

By staying in Illinois the 14 are representing their constituents...

Right. And now the teachers and snow plow drivers are considered "rich".

Biggest reason for bankruptcy is bloated pension obligations for government employees? Really? Nothing to do with big business buy-outs, wall street failures, the housing industry crash, big oil companies posting record profits each and every quarter, the $5.7 Billion bonuses paid to wall street executives last month, manufacturing jobs in Mexico and Europe,the rich getting richer? Nope. All about those wealthy government workers. BS.

freedomfighter608: Well, the first fact that I can tell you is that it's "democrat" not "democrate".

I think it's totally ironic that these Senators are hiding out in Illinois -- the state that's closest to going bankrupt, even worst off than California. And the primary reason Illinois might go bankrupt? Bloated pension obligations for government employees! Does anyone else see the irony here?

I have heard that the Democrates are hiding out in a Best Western in the Chicago area. Also, since they have not been at work, they are now not getting paid.

Kay13, and what facts do Democrates tell us?

Thank you, Senator Cullen. I appreciate what you've done for your state.

Thanks, Senator Cullen. I appreciate your support of all working people.

Thanks Senator Cullen! Keep up the good work and let the other senators know we are with them 100%!

Interesting: Medtronic, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, just reported that third-quarter net income rose 11 percent to $924 million. However, due to their own forecast for only a 2 to 3 percent growth, they just announced they will lay off up to 2,000 workers as part of a restructuring effort. Do you think they really give a hoot about their middle-class workers? How unfortunate that 2,000 workers will be "restructured" because of a $924 million dollar PROFIT. Who will be the benefactors of this paltry $924 Million profit? Why do the highest-paid executives continue to receive the greatest bonuses? How much is enough here? Perhaps unionization could have saved these people and their jobs.

You know what? I find it sad that so many people would rather parrot what Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh say, instead of looking at actual documents like the fiscal bureau memo or the bill, researching Walker's track record in Milwaukee, or thinking for themselves. I haven't seen a single pro-Walker poster here give a convincing argument for this bill - they're simply repeating the Republican party line, which isn't rooted in facts.

The anti-Cullen and pro-Cullen people all want you to stay away. I think this is your only chance to please everyone!!!!

Way to go Dems; I am very proud of you. All of the whinners on here have not read the bill and/or understand the ramifications. They just spout what other Republicans have taught them to say. You are doing what you were elected to do, fight for the people and this state. This bill is about way more than unions, but those whining dont know that! Stay away through Friday, it is great seeing Walker get frantic; it's like a kidnapping for ransom gone wrong. He is now resulting to threats and scare tactics cause he can't get what he wants. Walker cost this state half a million when he wrongfully fired union workers in Milwaukee; now he's doing the same!!

I'll bet Wislady is an avid follower of Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh...two highly regarded intellectuals. HA!

wislady - That's right. Ignore all the information in the links that are being posted and dump on MSNBC. We all know you don't care about the truth anyway.

If big unions go, then let's let's follow with big business and the Koch Brothers. It's always good to make a clean sweep!

I support you, Senator Cullen! Stay strong.

Thank you!! Stay away : )

Imagine what would of happened last year if all the Republicans in Congress left the country when Nobama was forcing that healthcare garbage down our throats? Democrats only follow rules as long as they are in their favor! What an absolute joke the Democrats are! First they sell out their own followers by allowing Walker to handle the contracts instead of passing the Doyle aproved union agreement and now they won't even show up for work because they couldn't do their job.
Go Walker and crush the unions so we can get them out of our state! They used to serve a purpose but not anymore.

An example: to save money, the Governor's budget fix bill would allow the state to "sell any state-owned heating, cooling, and power plant or may contract with a private entity for the operation of any such plant, with or without the solicitation of bids." Koch Industries is a major player in Wisconsin; Koch owns a coal company subsidiary with facilities in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Ashland and Sheboygan; six timber plants, and a large network of pipelines in Wisconsin. While Koch controls much of the infrastructure in the State, they have laid off workers to boost profits. At a time when Koch Industries owners David and Charles Koch awarded themselves an extra $11 billion of income from the company, they slashed jobs at their Green Bay Plan. Koch Industries was one of the biggest contributors to Walker's campaign. According to the EPA, Koch businesses are huge polluters, emitting thousands of pounds of toxic pollutants to the environment. As soon as Walker got into office, he started cutting environmental regulations and appointed a Repub known for her disregard for environmental regulations to lead the WDNR. Walker has also stated his opposition to clean energy jobs policies. This bill is not about the budget fix.
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/go...

MSNBC....
That is about as reliable as Huff Po, what a joke.

These Senators ARE doing their job. They are slowing down a jam-packed bill to allow themselves, and the public, the chance to see what is really in the bill, and for people to make comments, offer amendments, and expose all of the "non-budget fix" items that are in the bill - to be exposed to the public. The teachers have said they would pay part of their pensions and health insurance, yet Walker refuses to accept this concession, which proves that this isn't about the budget fix - otherwise, he would have said "great! Thanks for working with me on this one!" and moved onto the next hurdle. Read the document, and understand what is in it before stating that these Senators are cowards. This was a brave move for them! There is a lot of stuff thrown in that has NOTHING to do with the budget fix. We all want everyone to pay their fair share. So to stop this insanity and make the fix, every adult in the State of Wisconsin could pay 32 bucks. Yes, thirty two dollars - and the budget shortfall would be fixed. How much more simple could it be? There is a lot going on here - if you are going to watch Fox news, then also watch MSNBC. Get both sides of the story.

Senator Cullen...come home and do your job within the state.

Hang in there Tim. HL_Mencken is an idiot.

Senator Cullen should point out to some of his Republican senators that the people of this state will eventually realize that big money is behind this union busting and the governor has no intention to give in no matter how many concessions he gets. It is no coincidence that Americans for Prosperity, a Koch Brothers front, has created this crisis. Whether our senators are blind to this is a question.

See this report.

http://www.prwatch.org/news/2011/02/9964...

Thank you, Senator Cullen. You ARE doing your job. You ARE listening to your constituents!

"Buried inside Walker's 144-page budget repair bill are 10 lines. They don't directly deal with state workers, unions, or contracts. Still, controversy is already heating up over what it could mean for a couple of out-of-state billionaires."
http://www.todaystmj4.com/features/iteam...

You are all correct. Elections do have consequences. One of the consequences of the elections this past year was that the Republicans hold only 19 seats in the State Senate preventing them from acting without help on a major issue like this. The street doth go both ways.

Hey at least these guys are giving us enough time to figure out what the heck is going on be aware of the situation, instead of quietly passing this bill. I am not a democrat, but I totally support anybody who will stand up for worker's rights, for bargaining rights. The Fab 14 made it possible for us to find out what sort of concessions and compromises we the people are willing to make.

Cullen's "compromise" solution is why I had to commute 80 miles every day to Chicago to find work! The Democrats' "soak the rich" policy only served to finally kill my career and force me into early retirement with NO pension and NO health insurance! The same tax and health care policies creating uncertainty in wage costs are also forcing companies into a hunker-down survival mode inhibiting new product development. Unless Cullen comes back to Wisconsin to seriously work on REAL incentives to promote private sector investments in jobs and products, we can expect massive plant closures in the next two years as companies find their suppliers have gone out of business and they can no longer manufacture product.

They are not heroes. There is no honor in not representing all of their constituents. There is no honor in running and making a sham of the democratic process.

I fully support you, Senator Cullen!

walker, unlike his predecessor, jim doyle, will not break his promise of "no new taxes."
mr cullen -- elections have consequences, COME BACK TO MADISON AND DO YOU JOB!
by the way, belling says they're holed up at a hotel in harvard, il - probably here:
http://maps.google.com/maps?rlz=1C1CHFX_...

Thank you Mr. Cullen and your 13 colleagues. What is right is not always popular. What is popular is not always right.

Look who moved into Wisconsin. It's the Koch boys. Hmmmmm
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/go...

Skeletor is alive!

Hassel you thats a joke look whats going on in Madison. Anyway we know were you are. What a joke you are coward.

12isgreater Awesome!!! Haha: )

Senator Cullen, why don't you stay in Illinois forever? I'll second what's been said here already, you're part of the problem. The "solution" you propose is idiotic. Either that or quit whining and come back and do the job you're supposed to do rather than hide out like some petulant child. What a disgrace to the 15th district!

Below you will find your "silent majority" eh?
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Thank you, Mr. Cullen. I am happy to hear there is some communication happening to get this thing fixed - I'm just hoping we address some of the shadier stuff in the bill besides the stuff with unions.

You win some and you lose some. Take your licks like a man and come back here to do the job you were elected to do. Holding the legislative process hostage does NOBODY any good.

THANK YOU, Senator Cullen! I've been at the capitol nearly every day, and there is so much support around the state for you!! Please ignore the mean-spirited, ignorant comments on here. Clearly, there were enough votes in the Janesville area to put you in office. We support you!!

Senator Cullen
If you are more interested in supporting the unions then the people of district 15! Maybe you should resign and join a union! Otherwise get to work and do the job you were ELECTED TO DO!!!!!

Freezing unemployment benefits and raising business taxes? Really Tim, thats what you came up with? Good grief would that cause disasterous effects across the whole state as it did back in 1983 and unemployment wasn't as high then either!

Thank you Senator Cullen!

Grow up democrats... play like the adults you think you are! Things not going your way? Sounds like my grandchildren when they have an argument in the sandbox... "Fine! I'm taking my bucket and shovel and going home! I don't want to play with you anymore!"
Seriously! Dems are not the majority, due to the deficit we are left with. Something has to break, as this bill will take care of, or else our grandchildren will not even be able to GET sand to fill their sandboxes!
The gravy train just hit a BIG bump... you union whiners need to put your "big girl panties on" deal with it!

I know of a way to get you and your cohorts back here to Mr. Cullen, we'll cut of your taxpayer paid for accounts that are paying for your stay in Illinois. I bet they would comeback if they had to pay for their stay out of their own pockets. Maybe we should try it and see..... At least we would be saving some taxpayer money either way!

I voted for Tim. My parents voted for Tim. I talked with mom and dad over the weekend. We agreed that our votes were wasted. We would sign a petition to recall Tim if it was possible to begin a recall this early in Tim's term. PLEASE return to work and fulfill your obligation to those who voted you into office. We will not waste our votes again.

Hey shermd71,

If republicans wanted to pass right to work laws, they could do it tomorrow - with no debate - since it's not a budget bill, it wouldn't require a single democrat to be in the state.

Except Governor Walker has specifically said he does not want Right to Work legislation, he just wants limits on a system that has been a give away to public employees for decades. People in Janesville of all places should know what happens when a union becomes more powerful that the employer, and that's certainly happened with Wisconsin Government.

And your predictions of doom and a destroyed economy even if WI became a right to work state are rather hilarious. Take a look at unemployment stats: All of the top 3, and 7 of the top 10 states for lowest unemployment (as of Dec. 2010) are right to work states.

FIB

How freakin cowardly.

I can understand running away to block the bill as a (rather stupid) political tactic.

But then refusing to say where you are because you are afraid of being hassled? That is cowardly.

Republicans haven't run away from the protesters in the capitol, but clearly the Democrats can't handle anyone showing their displeasure at their actions.

Senator Cullen: So much for your campaign promise to work with the Republicans and a new governor. I did not vote for you because I know a "leopard can not change it's spots". Dems do 3 things very well: 1) They Lie,Lie, Lie; 2) Spend, Spend, Spend: and 3) Tax, Tax, Tax. And not necessary in that order.
Elections have consequences! So do your job and show up at the Capital Senate Chambers, so the Peoples business can be conducted/completed.
If the previous Dems had stepped up and actually done something, we would not be in this situation. Thank you Mikey Sheridan, Jimmy Doyle, Judy Robson, Russ Decker, Hixon, Benedict and the rest of the Democratic liberal socialists for a job well done!!
Now Senator Cullen, how about showing up and at least attempt to do your job.

NO DEAL. You can stay in IL forever for all I care. You are part of the problem. The bill will pass with or without you.

This guys picture should be on a milk carton.

Senator Cullen,

Please remain in Illinois. First, it seems like Governor Walker and COUNTLESS on these blogs disagree with you. Second, if you return, Wisconsin will become just like the other states with a "Right to Work" law. Crap. Third, I am sure property in Illinois will skyrocket with all of the people who this IDIOTIC bill will destroy in Wisconsin!! Property will be worth WAY more in Illinois than in Wisconsin!! Except NO ONE can see that yet!! Replacing ALL of these jobs that pay SOOOO WELL, and that NONE OF US REALLY EARNED, or NONE OF US DESERVE will ALL BE REPLACED with 250,000 jobs at Wal-Mart, McDonald's, and any other minimum wage jobs Governor Walker and all of the people posting here expect!!