Walker: State headed in right direction
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Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, center front, finishes his address to a joint session of the Legislature in the Assembly chambers at the State Capitol Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, in Madison, Wis. Behind is Senate President Michael Ellis, left, R-Neenah, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, and Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Bill Kramer, right, R-Waukesha.
MADISON — Gov. Scott Walker said in his State of the State speech Wednesday that he kept his promises and now Wisconsin is headed in the right direction, even though opponents have mounted a historic effort to toss him from office less than midway through his term.
Walker did not mention the recall in his address delivered under tight security.
“We are turning things around. We are heading in the right direction,” Walker said during his 37-minute speech.
Walker’s argument that the changes he pushed through that spurred the recall effort were necessary and are working has been the crux of his campaign to keep his job after just over a year in office.
Democrats countered that Walker has torn the state apart and there’s nothing he can say now to reverse the will of an estimated 1 million people who signed recall petitions that were turned in last week.
“Gov. Walker’s way has not worked,” said Democrat Kathleen Falk, the former Dane County executive who announced she would run against Walker in a recall.
Hundreds of protesters in the Capitol rotunda shouted, whistled and booed throughout the speech. Inside the chamber, Republicans applauded loudly for Walker, but he was interrupted multiple times from people in the galleries, including by a woman who screamed, “Liar! Recall Walker!”
Walker appeared to be unfazed, carefully laying out his case for why the state is on the right track under his leadership. He noted that unemployment has dropped from 7.5 percent before he took office to 7.1 percent last month. The state added 13,500 private sector jobs in 2011 — evidence, he said, the economy is improving.
However, Wisconsin reported job losses each of the past six months while there were increases nationally. Democrats say that shows Walker’s agenda is not working.
“It is unacceptable that the governor suggests he has kept his promises, while the facts prove otherwise,” said Democratic Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller. “He is living in a state of denial.”
Walker campaigned in 2010 on the promise that given four years in charge, 250,000 more people would be put to work in the private sector. He didn’t mention that pledge on Wednesday.
Walker did call on the Legislature to pass a bill easing the way for an iron ore mine to locate in northern Wisconsin. He called it a “tremendous opportunity for job growth.”
The Assembly was expected to approve the measure on Thursday, but it was unclear when it may be debated in the Senate given opposition from some Republicans there who hold a narrow 17-16 majority.
Walker also urged small businesses that are poised to grow to add at least one more person this year.
The governor finds himself in a political maelstrom a year after he shook up the state by proposing eliminating nearly all collective bargaining rights for most state workers as part of his plan for balancing a $3.6 billion budget shortfall.
He said the collective bargaining changes empowered local officials to make decisions about their schools. He thanked teachers for their hard work and dedication.
“We are glad that Wisconsin avoided the massive layoffs of government employees experienced in other states,” he said.
The union proposal, along with other policies he pushed like requiring photo identification at the polls and cutting state aid to schools by $800 million, helped spark the recall drive. But Walker stood by his record.
“We thought more about the next generation than we did about the next election,” Walker said. “And isn’t that what you elected us to do? We kept our promises.”
Only two governors in U.S. history have ever been recalled from office.
Walker has been raising money at a record pace, collecting $12.1 million since last year and blanketing the airwaves with advertisements touting his achievements. Four Republican state senators, as well as Walker’s lieutenant governor, are also targeted for recall.
Republicans spent the past year working to balance the budget without raising taxes and improving the state’s business climate, while Democrats were focused on “protesting, recalling and playing politics,” said Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald.
“They know that recalls are bad for Wisconsin, but they’re pushing them anyway,” said Fitzgerald, who is one of four GOP senators facing a possible recall. “For the Democrats, the state of our state won’t ever be good enough unless they’re in the driver’s seat.”
Walker announced few new initiatives in his speech.
“I think we deserve a leader who will look at the facts and lead us,” said Democratic Rep. Jon Richards of Milwaukee. “Instead we got window dressing.”
Walker said he was creating a task force to follow up on government waste, fraud and abuse identified by a special task force he created last year. That group, which issued its report earlier this month, identified more than $400 million in potential savings.
He also asked state agencies to work with a small business board to eliminate old and unnecessary regulations that hinder state job growth.
Democrats were not impressed.
“These are not innovative ideas,” Miller said. “Nor do they create jobs for Wisconsin working families now.”
The address came hours after the release of a new poll that showed Walker leading four potential Democratic opponents in a recall election and with more voters approving of his job performance than opposing it. The Marquette University Law School telephone poll was conducted Jan. 19 through Jan. 22, just days after recall organizers turned in the signatures.
The speech also comes as a secret probe by the Milwaukee County district attorney’s office into current and past Walker aides continues. Two former Walker associates were charged last month with embezzling more than $60,000 from veterans and their families and Walker has repeatedly denied he’s the subject of investigation or has done anything wrong.
Feb 13, 2012 at 6:33 a.m.
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Really Scooter?
http://www.philadelphiafed.org/research-...
Jan 30, 2012 at 11:26 a.m.
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ellie.... by that I take it you mean green slime and polloution?
I suppose if your heart is not in Wisconsin, then leaving polloution here is OK?
Maybe if The Kochs want a toxic waste dump, and Walker signs that for them...... you can have a party, with a slime green cake.
Jan 30, 2012 at 10:20 a.m.
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ellie60: Unfortunately, Walker has not returned the state to the "green". We are projected to have deficits of $1 billion in each of the next two years. Walker speaks half-truths (same as lying IMO) and too many people believe him without researching the facts.
Jan 29, 2012 at 7:18 p.m.
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http://scottwalkerwatch.com/
Jan 29, 2012 at 6:36 p.m.
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916...... Got any good conversations on tape....... seems Republicans can't keep their mouths shut.
Bars seem to be Republican downfalls....
buying drinks for votes. Talking trash in a bar and of course abuse of a position in the bar by Prosser.
Jan 29, 2012 at 1:11 p.m.
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Scott Walker...Thank You very much for bringing Wisconsin back in the GREEN!!!
Jan 29, 2012 at 1:09 p.m.
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Well I can tell many of you have been spoiled by your UNIONS!!!!
Jan 29, 2012 at 11:37 a.m.
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Walker broke his promise and there will be a budget deficit of $3 billion for each of the next two years. (Per information in today's edition of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.)
Here is a short version: In the 2010 race, Walker made an explicit promise, noted on his campaign website to "require the use of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to balance every state budget, just as we require every local government and school district to do."
This is known as the accrual accounting method, something also used by publicly traded companies. On the Walk-O-Meter, we rated this a Promise Broken. Walker did not use the GAAP approach on his first budget.
Indeed, under that approach, the state shows a $3 billion GAAP deficit each of the next two years.
Jan 29, 2012 at 10:14 a.m.
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Mouse....As I said, you're one more example of what a waste it was to throw truckloads of money at the Wisconsin educational system over the last several decades. The fact that you can't put together the simplest sentence without a grammatical error--twice--speaks volumes.........
Jan 28, 2012 at 10:24 p.m.
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Let's see Walker's integrity is still intact :-) DUH!
Jan 28, 2012 at 9:58 p.m.
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916......... what's funny?
Like I said, were coming.
Jan 28, 2012 at 2:47 p.m.
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"Walker.... were coming!"
Too funny! One more example of what a waste it was to throw truckloads of money at the Wisconsin educational system over the last several decades:)
Jan 28, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.
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Walker got kicked out of college for cheating.... I guess he didn't learn anything then, other than how to cheat.
Then we have the 3 Stoogies -Fitz - Fitz - Fitz, and one who needs to wash his wig!
Maybe thats the sewer smell that is confussing.... it's right above his nose.
Jan 28, 2012 at 1:42 p.m.
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Retired Airforce: How can anyone support a governor that has made a joke out our state's educational system? Even his fellow republicans feel that we have schools that are "sewers". I bet all of the funding that is getting cut will improve these "sewers"! Maybe we can use the money saved from our schools to employ more of Walker's criminal friends.
Jan 28, 2012 at 1:27 p.m.
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Walker better to tell the truth now.....
you will get over things quicker that way.
Jan 28, 2012 at 1:25 p.m.
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Walker.... were coming!
Jan 28, 2012 at 1:24 p.m.
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Methinks Scooter is headed out of office.
Jan 28, 2012 at 9:38 a.m.
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poobah: THANK YOU, THANK YOU for finding that organizational chart! I really appreciate it.
Jan 28, 2012 at 9:16 a.m.
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RAF- If it walks like a duck and talks lke a duck......
Jan 28, 2012 at 5:29 a.m.
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Lets play pick out the latest hypocritical positions. The same person provided both of the following statements; good thing liberals aren’t expected to be consistent.
"When you see the words 'May have' in a story, might want to with hold judgement. A little different than CHARGED and CRIMINAL COMPLAINT, dont you think? But hey stand byy your man to the very end, no matter how big a shot to your charecter."
"All of this going on right next to Scott Walker's office? Suuure he knew nothing, maybe we should call him the Teflon Scotty if this doesnt stick, MY GOD!!!!"
Jan 27, 2012 at 11:57 p.m.
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beb- I give yo credit at least you are changing the subject. Prolly a smart move by you. And BTW I agree Obama is not at all what I hoped hed be. HOWEVER anything is light years ahead of the last administration(Bush) and yes I will blame them for most of whats wrong with our economy. You are a fool of you cast the blame completely in the lap of the current pres. Its the same argument that folks in Wisconsin have about Doyle/Walker transition, and its just reversed, whichis why I find the outright blaming of Obama for everything, and every company that goes under that got a Govt loan very misplaced and very simple minded. Do you remember what happened the last 6 months of the BBush admin to the economy? Your memory cant be that short , can it? The MIAN REASON OBama got elected was because the meltdown came at the end of 8 years of economic policy of a republican Admin. PLUS the first 6-8 months after Obama took the oath was the end of the meltdown he had almost NOTHING to do with!! (Except voting for the criminal TARP bailouts.
Oh ya and BTW hate him all you want, Ill bet you dinner at any restaraunt you choose that Obama wins re-election. Krauthammer said it best if they cant beat him now, they should find another job!! Who Bebe, Newt? Romney? Not a chance in Heck!! This may be the WORST overall presidential field in American history!! and thats really saying something. Reminds me of when the Dems nominated Kerry, its almost like they didnt want to win!
Jan 27, 2012 at 11:46 p.m.
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""DA Chisholm May Have Illegal Leaks From Office"" and then a link from a "fair and balanced" website? SHocking revalation!! When you see the words 'May have' in a story, might want to with hold judgement. A little different than CHARGED and CRIMINAL COMPLAINT, dont you think? But hey stand byy your man to the very end, no matter how big a shot to your charecter.
I wonder if AG van Hollen will use the same discretion he used in "choosing" not to investigate these criminals? I swear Scott Walker could commit murda and you fools would still cast your ballot for him, what zombies!!
Jan 27, 2012 at 9:38 p.m.
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State headed in the right direction huh? I hope Mr. Walker can drive wearing handcuffs.
Jan 27, 2012 at 8:52 p.m.
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....by the way Sarah, someone should tell him the shredder he is using is for cheese.
Even a mouse knows can tell a good cheese shredder.
Jan 27, 2012 at 8:49 p.m.
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Sarah I think Walker is using shredders during Tax payer time........ thats why his important schedule got dropped.
Bad weather..... whose he kidding?/???
Jan 27, 2012 at 7:01 p.m.
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Sarah, page 3 of the following PDF contains an organizational chart for Milwaukee County: [ http://county.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary... ] The following page is a list of people within the current County Executive staff: [ http://county.milwaukee.gov/CountyExecut... ]
Jan 27, 2012 at 4:50 p.m.
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Does anyone know where I can get an "organizational chart" for a Milwaukee County executive's administration? I have been told and have read that the arrests in the John Doe investigation are from outward to inward (for example, with the executive in the middle of the diagram) and that this is how most of these investigations are conducted. This investigation is up to eight or so arrests and I wanted to see how they would fit in the organizational chart. Any ideas on where to find the chart?
Jan 27, 2012 at 4:44 p.m.
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bebe...... things are going great with Obama.
It's such a shame you are symptom led by others on here. I get the impression you could really feel better if you stop letting others like Fedup and Kaysbrew play with your head.
If I were you I would let the two of them share the brown bag. You have more going for you....... and I know that because you don't play cheesey.
Jan 27, 2012 at 4:42 p.m.
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I also feel Wisconsin is heading in the right direction.
Jan 27, 2012 at 4:12 p.m.
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@westorbust-sorry to burst your ideological bubble but don't watch Fox-don't watch the liars on the liberal channels either-and if you think Obama has done a good job you are crazier than I thought-you deserve what you get though
Jan 27, 2012 at 3:44 p.m.
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http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011...
Nice try bebe53. Maybe it's time to get your info somewhere else besides Faux News.
Jan 27, 2012 at 3:25 p.m.
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And after 3 plus disastrous years of Obama the country as a whole is going in the right direction??
Jan 27, 2012 at 3:18 p.m.
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@poobah-ask me again if or when they file for bankruptcy-shouldn't be a problem to pay for it when Obama starts publically going after the 279,000 federal employees that collectively owe $3.4 BILLION in back taxes-lokk who ain't paying their fair share-golly gee
Jan 27, 2012 at 3:09 p.m.
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So the right direction is a corrupt direction?
I guess thats one thing Walker is good at.
Kochs, Judges, Clerks, other offce staff( now at 6 and growing).
Jan 27, 2012 at 3:08 p.m.
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DA Chisholm May Have Illegal Leaks From Office
http://mediatrackers.org/2012/01/da-chis...
Maybe it is time to investigate the office of the Milwaukee DA.
Jan 27, 2012 at 3:07 p.m.
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beb53, on another side note, that sounds an awful lot like the $118+ million the state (under Walker) and local entities will be giving to Kestrel Aircraft to build factories to build a plane that has not yet received FAA certification and has never been built in production before, doesn't it? [ http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/a... ]
Jan 27, 2012 at 3:05 p.m.
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fearandrhetoric4dummies
Why didn't they do this story?
http://www.wisgop.org/sites/default/file...
Jan 27, 2012 at 2:49 p.m.
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"Walker: State headed in right direction"
-
That's a true statement if you believe the right direction is straight down.
Jan 27, 2012 at 2:25 p.m.
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On a side note.....
ENER1-a maker of rechargeable car batteries that was using $118.5 million Energy Department grant to build a factory in Indiana filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Thursday-let's keep that incredibly stupid stimulus money for "green energy" going!!Yessiree!!!
Jan 27, 2012 at 2:18 p.m.
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All of this going on right next to Scott Walker's office? Suuure he knew nothing, maybe we should call him the Teflon Scotty if this doesnt stick, MY GOD!!!!
Jan 27, 2012 at 2:16 p.m.
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Why the Gaz isnt allowing comments on this story is beyond me:
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepoliti...
Jan 27, 2012 at 2:15 p.m.
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Wink worked on campaign fundraisers, phone banks, Reagan Day dinners and Milwaukee County Republican Party matters while working in Walker's office. In one 2009 chat with Timothy Russell, a longtime friend and fellow Walker aide, Wink asked how she could clear a document from her chat session. Russell told her it would disappear when she logged out.
"I just am afraid of going to jail - ha! ha!" Wink wrote in August 2009.
Russell replied, "You wouldn't, not for that."
Public workers are prohibited from doing campaign work at the courthouse.
Peter Wolff, Wink's attorney, said she never intended to do anything wrong and remains adamant that Walker knew nothing of her campaign activity.
"She's a genuine and good-hearted person," Wolff said.
Wink, a former vice chair of the county Republican Party, resigned from her county job in May 2010 after admitting to the Journal Sentinel that she was spending part of her work day doing campaign work.
According to the Rindfleisch complaint, Walker responded to the public controversy by sending an email to a top aide from a private email account.
"We cannot afford another story like this one," Walker wrote to Russell. "No one can give them any reason to do another story. That means no laptops, no websites, no time away during the work day, etc."
Jan 27, 2012 at 2:13 p.m.
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No biggie righhhhhht:
On Thursday, prosecutors charged Kelly Rindfleisch, deputy chief of staff to Walker in 2010, with four felony counts of misconduct in office for working for then-Rep. Brett Davis' 2010 campaign for lieutenant governor while on the county clock. Davis, who lost in the Republican primary, is now Walker's state Medicaid director.
The complaint says that Rindfleisch told a friend in an Internet chat shortly after taking the job with Walker that "half of what I'm doing is policy for the campaign."
During work hours between February 2010 and early July 2010, it says, Rindfleisch sent more than 300 emails to Davis and 1,380 fundraising emails. The John Doe also turned up more than 1,000 emails between Rindfleisch and top staffers on Walker's 2010 campaign during work hours over the same period.
Jan 27, 2012 at 2:05 p.m.
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balanced budget? FALSE!! Any more stories to tell? mY property taxes went up! any more?
Jan 27, 2012 at 1:28 p.m.
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Bellagio-though you may take comfort in the notion of Walker's silent majority/lack of chaos, repeating it endlessly does not make it true. You sound worried and wanton to create an alternate reality for yourself.
*
I will admit though, there is no doubt the Walker's bomb-dropping campaign of divisiveness has had it's measured effect. It is very popular amongst many -those easily-enamored with demagoguery, fake machismo, and hate/fear tactics.
Jan 27, 2012 at 12:48 p.m.
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Abe, you are sadly mistaken. Walker has not caused chaos in this state! The majority of Wisconsin is behind him. It is the minority mob rule mentality that has caused its own chaos. The rest of us are quite happy with a balanced budget and no tax increase.
Jan 27, 2012 at 12:42 p.m.
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If the State is headed in the right direction, then so is the investigation into Walker and his felonious cohorts.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepoliti...
Jan 27, 2012 at 12:17 p.m.
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Carlito - one can only surmise that the Ends justify the Means for the Walker supporters - they will except anything Walker, no matter how corrupt, including the chaos he's caused in Wisconsin. They don't care about the trojan horse budget issue, it's all about winning power for their annointed tribe.
Jan 27, 2012 at 11:09 a.m.
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THIS IS IN ARTICLE TODAY 2nd to the last paragragh "We cannot afford another story like this one," Walker says in the email he sent Russell. "No one can give them any reason to do another story. That means no laptops, no websites, no time away during the work day, etc." NOW TELL ME THIS LYING PIECE OF WORK DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON AND MOST LIKELY HAD THEM DOING IT... Keep believing the liar as he is GOING DOWN as the plea agreements will get someone to talk. I cannot believe you Scooter supporters can honestly JUSTIFY HIS CRIMINAL BEHAVIORS,unless you are of a criminal mind also and think it is okay for him to BREAK THE LAW AT EVERY LEVEL....GOODBYE SCOOTER
Jan 27, 2012 at 11 a.m.
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The woman escorted out BECAUSE SHE SPOKE THE TRUTH!!!!! HE IS A LIAR AND PINOCCHIO HAS NOTHING ON NOSE SIZE COMPARED TO HIM...
Jan 27, 2012 at 10:57 a.m.
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Nice useless, baseless statement Ezoner. Its nice to see that you think that people that disagree with you really have no right to exist, because thats what democracy is all about, right? One party rule, if you dont believe what I believe then you are a Gorilla? Or a thug? What is useless is comments like those, make no points to back up an ideology that is simply based in anger and hate, and very little facts. Try to remember it wasn't the unions or the thuggish gorillas that you associate them to that brought the economy to its knees, it was almost exclusively your beloved free markets.
I know you are capable of NOT being a mindless spinless amoeba, ezoner(since we are calling names), why dont you make an argument here?
I do like all of the blatant ignoring of the very large scandal that is developing. Wonder why the gov office is so quiet? Maybe because Cullen Werwie is named in the criminal complaint? Probably had access to the private network set up by Walkers top aide 25 feet from his office? Anyone who has any tyope of an IT background understands what this is and what you need to do to set up such a network. Either Scott knew this was going on, or he is the most incompetant executive , EVER!! My guess is the former. Either way this is getting closer to him and will not bode well for him in a campaign. A private email intrAnet(internal network) set up to avoid public records requests is pretty shady. I for one am fascinated to see where this goes next. Before this development yesterday I wasn't all that into the John Doe , now I am entrenched. Now we know why Cindy Archer's computers were siezed.
At very least we know this of Governor(then county executive) Walker's staff
1) Theft from KIA veterans fund
2) sweetheart real estate deals for donors
3) a repeat of the caucusing scandal from a decade ago.
You can support Scott Walkers policies till your blue in the face, but to act as if he knew nothing and is totally in solvent here, is laughable. Does anyone think this is it? Not me!! Why again has Werwie been granted immunity?
BTW anyone who thinks that this is some kind of witch hunt, the DA in Milwaukee county asked for the DoJ's assisstance on this and was refused, which is why the FBI is involved. I am curious, outside of partisan reasons, why did JB Van Hollen not help in this?
Jan 27, 2012 at 10:11 a.m.
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GO WALKER!
Jan 27, 2012 at 9:47 a.m.
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More negative comments from useless union thugs. You people do not scare me nor the govenor. Go thump your chest like gorillas in the corner, you are fun to watch, maybe someon will throw you a banana or an orange to watch you peel it.
Jan 27, 2012 at 9:34 a.m.
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Wow Sarah. You are delusional if you truly believe that all of those 1.9 million signatures are real. Keep dreaming..
Jan 27, 2012 at 9:26 a.m.
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he wouldn't have to spend all this time at fundraisers if he wasn't geting recalled because of what you democrats didn't like... No one likes OBAMA CARE yet no one impeached him or tried to get him out of office and look what he has done... drove this country into the ground
Jan 27, 2012 at 8:54 a.m.
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This state will remain headed in the wrong direction until the liberals agree to revise the Tax laws and make them fair for all especially the property tax laws.
Jan 27, 2012 at 8:53 a.m.
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Bye-Bye Walker, don't let the door hit you in the --- on the way out .
Jan 27, 2012 at 7:16 a.m.
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I do believe Gov. Waker has spent WAY more time out of state at fundraisers than the 14 Democratic Senators spent in protest. If anyone is AWOL it is Walker.
Jan 27, 2012 at 7:04 a.m.
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I'll take one good Walker over 14 runners - clocktower that is.
Jan 27, 2012 at 12:01 a.m.
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Is the governor in the mansion in Maple Bluff or is his out shakin' and bakin' for campaign contributions in CA, NY, or TX? Corruption surrounds him and he swims in out-of-state cash. Wisconsin, your Governor is p'owned. Miss Forward is a kept woman and demands to be taken off the dome!
Jan 26, 2012 at 11:54 p.m.
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The rot that surrounds Walker is getting closer...closer...cloooooser. GOTCHA SCOOTER. Governor Desperado is going down, down, down in a burning ring of fire.
Jan 26, 2012 at 11:50 p.m.
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916Li, Governor blo-hard claimed he would create 250,000 jobs in his first term. Please tell us where are those jobs he promised? So what are you saying is everyone knows government cannot create jobs. How do you reconcile that with Governor Scrot's promise?
Jan 26, 2012 at 8:28 p.m.
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916WI, don't forget that billboard that was posted at the Janesville GM plant recently, it read "Governor Scott Walker - Creating Jobs For Wisconsin." Call Governor Walker at 608-266-1212 and say "Thanks."
Are you calling all of Walker's supporters idiots OR does Scott Walker think only an idiot would believe him?
Jan 26, 2012 at 8:03 p.m.
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Shhhh! Don't confuse the teabaggers with facts. Don't waste your time giving them facts - they won't listen. Walker's house of cards is soon to fall. Let his supporters gag on the indictments and job losses. Walker's lies are so blatant and constant that they are catching up with him. The only right path Wisconsin is on is the one that places corporations above individuals and trashes the public sector worker. Since that is how Scooter defines the "right path" in his mind, his statements are accurate....from a certain point of view.....
Jan 26, 2012 at 7:52 p.m.
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Too funny.....An idiot could be best defined by someone who truly believes that the governor "creates jobs".........seriously....
Jan 26, 2012 at 4:53 p.m.
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hey IDIOT BOY! how bout creating some of those jobs you promised? ones that can support a family? i would lOVE to come home and be with my family instead of working out of state! so far all i've heard is koch brothers lies coming out of that mouth of yours!
Jan 26, 2012 at 4:26 p.m.
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And the criminal corruption arrests of Walkers staff just keep coming!.....2 more today, total of 9 so far and they say dozens more expected, yea Walkers innocent?....NOT!
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:33 p.m.
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:26 p.m.
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wislady must be so distraught to learn of her god's chink in the armour that she just can't gather her thoughts.
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:26 p.m.
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well said sarahB. I did not watch the speech, only hearing about the hecklers on this forum. And your sentiment was the first thing I thought of. Wrong place, wrong time.
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:23 p.m.
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Sorry again. I meant to write that it wasn't fair to have Walker's sons "sitting among" the protesters.
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:21 p.m.
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Mouse: I actually felt badly for Walker's sons last night. They looked more scared or uncomfortable to me. It didn't help to have them among the protesters who shouted out. I believe in free speech and support the recall effort, but I just don't think that was the right forum for protesting last night. I don't have to respect Walker, but I do respect the office he holds. After the protest shouts began, I thought it might have been better to leave the boys at home.
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:20 p.m.
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Well, gosh, where has wislady gone? I said "please" and everything. Maybe she's trying to get in touch with Jensen and Gunderson.
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:18 p.m.
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I would prefer we investigate the noise makers....
seems one Republican who's suit was busting at the seems couldn't keep his finger out of his mouth.
How come he wasn't removed?
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:18 p.m.
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Thanks for the update, Wislady. The operatives came thru. How dare teachers care that we Patrioits are scapegoating them for the budget problems created by our failed GOP economic policies. How dare that young lady care that we are making a mockery of the teaching profession and the entire state of Wisconsin.
....
And no, I am not going to give you a Cracker Barrel gift card in return for the update.
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:15 p.m.
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ummm...wislady?
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:15 p.m.
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Walkers kids looked a bit dejected last night.
Do they know grandpa believed in truth?
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:13 p.m.
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...She could be somenone that didn't get the free tri-cornered hat we promised them. Sorry maam.
...she could just be someone that lost their job.
...She could be someone that just likes Wisconsin the way it was before bomb dropped, you know all peaceful and folksy and liberal.
...she could be the disgruntled mother of that kid that Walker had to let go off the payroll, the dropout drunk son of the donor.
...she could have a husband that is a vet, and not too happy about the Walker's crony robbing the charity. Or she could be a vet.
...She could be Scott Walker's jilted lover for all I know. Or was that one of those other guys escorted out?
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:12 p.m.
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wislady--Please...where do you stand on today's revelation that walker knew back in May 2010 that his people were using taxpayer-funded time to work on his campaign, and all he did was send an email saying that there could be no more news stories about it? If I remember, you didn't leave us to guess about what you thought when the teachers didn't go to work...
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:09 p.m.
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Koch_Bros
I will make it easier for you......she is possibly employed at Orchard School in Madison.
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:06 p.m.
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Walker has a way of getting attention....... if he will use paid for judges, what does he have to fear?
Then again sounds today like things might catch up with him.
Why did he need to cancel his agenda today?
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:06 p.m.
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bebe: No, I still think the final numbers will pretty much be on the mark. Care to give me your guess? Care to bet $10,000 on which of us will be closest?
Jan 26, 2012 at 3:02 p.m.
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She could have been planted by Walker........
remember other items got planted for attention.
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:55 p.m.
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wislady wrote:One of the protesters from last night...glad she isn't teaching any of my grandkids. Representative of Wisconsin teachers?
SHAME on her.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/g......
.........
That gal actually looks decent for a liberal. But for now you are are assuming she's a teacher. She could be a nurse. She could have someone affected by Badgercare. She could be a AFSCME worker. Or she could have a child that goes to public schools. Or she may not want a ore mining operation nearby. Or she may just be a regular old citizen, just like the vast majority of the petition signors.
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Whoever she is, rest assured the patriotic operatives are finding out.
.
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:55 p.m.
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@Sarah-after verification you know as well as everybody that there will not be 1.9 million signatures-not after they wind up throwing out all the invalid ones-but believe in your fantasies if it makes you happy
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:52 p.m.
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I'm sorry; my last comment was meant for wislady.
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:51 p.m.
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I don't agree with the four or five people who yelled out during Walker's speech last night, but what makes you think the woman in the photo is a teacher? There is no way all 1.9 million of us who signed petitions are teachers.
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:50 p.m.
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Unlike wislady, I'm very proud that our kids' teachers have the decency and integrity to stand up to crooked politicians. SHAME ON WISLADY for supporting corruption in government. We see now that walker knew back in May, 2010 that his own staff were illegally using taxpayer dollars to work on his campaign, and his only response was, We can't afford to have the newspaper do another story on this. Not This is wrong and those people must go. Just, Don't let the newspaper get to do another story
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:47 p.m.
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GoodAmerican: I just read the story you are referring to and, to put it mildly, even I am shocked. People want to blame the recall efforts for Wisconsinites losing jobs. I would bet this John Doe investigation is keeping some companies on hold before they decide whether to cross our borders. The scandal just keeps growing and growing, each charge seems a step closer to Walker. Again, even I find this latest report to be shocking. Of course, the Gazette will not allow comments on the article. And, of course, Walker cancels his speaking engagement in Wausau today. His staff blames the weather. The weather there today is cloudy and in the 30s. No schools closed; none opened late or to close early.
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:39 p.m.
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LIARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:38 p.m.
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One of the protesters from last night...glad she isn't teaching any of my grandkids. Representative of Wisconsin teachers?
SHAME on her.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/g...
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:37 p.m.
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Goneandglad, patriotic kudos to you, because I know you are a good patriot and am proud that you managed to play it straight with your "what did Walker do to deserve to be recalled."
...
I Got to go, but if you really want to know the libs' logic, I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to ask around and find it. Only a million or so people think he needs recalled -proportionately 6 times the people that signed a Gray Davis recall in over double the time span.
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So dismiss those million people as thugs.
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:26 p.m.
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Looks like the teachers calling in sick is nothing compared to what walker's people were up to. This from a story about walker's people using taxpayer-funded work time to campaign for him:
"The complaint also shows an email Walker himself sent in May 2010 in reaction to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporting that Wink was apparently doing partisan political work while working for the county.
"We cannot afford another story like this one," Walker says in the email he sent Russell. "No one can give them any reason to do another story. That means no laptops, no websites, no time away during the work day, etc."
Looks like scotty knew all along what his people were up to.
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:20 p.m.
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OOPS!
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http://who.broke-it.net/oops.jpg
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:06 p.m.
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fear-sorry to keep disagreeing but there is a reason why federal employees are not allowed to collectively bargain-it all comes down to political power which even the federal government isn't stupid enough to give them. The unions -at the end of the day-don't give a damn about the individual-all they want is their money to spend on their pet political causes-which usually wind up collectively screwing all taxpayers,are almost always liberal in nature and given to the Democratic party-so I guess there must be no conservative leaning union members,huh?
Jan 26, 2012 at 2:02 p.m.
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See vato therin lies the problem. The very people that say money doesnt solve the problems of the world, say"write a check" just so were clear, I do.
I also choose to let my actions speak and my time and effort speak louder than my checkbook. Why I volunteer in a Milwaukee classroom, a Janesville classroom, a milton Classroom. So I can speak to what I believe the problems are, and not just blow hot air based on rhetoric.
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:54 p.m.
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:53 p.m.
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"This has little to dl with political party, and everything to do with morality, of which you have none."
That's the issue fear......your high moral superiority clouds your judgement.......
I don't go around trying to save everyone......if you are true to your convictions take your checkbook out and start writing checks out........
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:50 p.m.
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bebe- wrong, this is about corporate power and taking it away from PEOPLE. Its about who has the power, and who gets more. You want businesses to be the ONLY voice I just want people to have a collective voice. If it is through a union then so be it. The less voice people have the more and more wage despairity. Whether you like it or not, call it communism, socialism, whatever label you like. the economy will never return to prominence without a healthy middle class. Under the current path to destroy unions, destroy public ed, stepping on the poorest and calling them lazy,to become a one party system we will never return to the "path to prosperity" mark my words.
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:48 p.m.
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Leave it to a democrat like fear to call people retarded. NC, No Class!
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:40 p.m.
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:39 p.m.
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@fear-this has NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with morality-this is ALL about the unions losing their political power and inabilty to hold hostage the taxpayers of this state-no more/no less
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:38 p.m.
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Gone - when asked afetr they had a signed contract in janesville? Why should they? There is over 25 million dollars sitting in an account built on the savings from The JEA self funded healthcare program!! The money to plug the hole should be taken from there.
Janesville doesn't use the WEA trust and hasnt for awhile. They have saved the district MILLIONS by agreeing to do so. Now its time to pony up. Taxes never even had to be raised, the board just wanted to stand up and say no.
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:37 p.m.
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Fear - Can you answer why the union sponsored insurance was stealing from us tax payers for so many years? All of a sudden the insurance can be purchased for much cheaper and in some cases teh union sponsored insurance was cheaper when they had competition. Why is that not looked at as stealing from us Wisconsin tax payers? You have every right to hate Walker and I really don't care your reasoning as again that is your right since we live in a free land, so why is the union looked at as the savior for the state employees when they have been stealing from us for years and years?
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:35 p.m.
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So why didn't the teachers take any concessions when asked?
And again, what exactly did Walker do to deserve recall?
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:35 p.m.
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Next thing youll say is that the budget is balanced, or that the gov isnt robbing allocated funds to give to another. Because those are the "Path to prosperity" talking points that have been used. Now that we KNOW that they are false its kind of tough to make your case.
I still cant believe that you coined "path to prosperity" , cant stop laughing.
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:32 p.m.
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Path to prosperity? LOLOLOL could you stop speaking in talking points language? I swear Vato you must work for a Stuipid PAC or something because you are unable to recognize the absolute simplicity of your posts, and the amount of rhetoric that you use.
Just speak English, youe your own words please.
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.
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you tell em vato, as usual your labels anxd rhetoric mean nothing. Other than representing a very false hyperbolic point of view that is driven by ignorance.
Should I tell the 7 year old kid in Milwaukee being raised by a drug abused parent in a crime ridden neighnborhood? Because its that child's fault. Unfortunately for you the ones being affected are the kids who have no control over their situation. Maybe before using some ridiculous argument about poverty as an obstacle , you should try to think that children dont have control over who their parents are. Of course those elementary school kids should stop supporting democrats right? I swear every single time you open your mouth and try to make a point based on party , you look dumber and dumber. DO you ever think before speaking? This has little to dl with political party, and everything to do with morality, of which you have none.
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:23 p.m.
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bebe- the teachers union in Kaukauna which every conservative like to point to as an example, offered every single concession and still they refused(the district) , so tell me again who is extoting who? And who is distorting the facts?
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:22 p.m.
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"Not to mention 354 fewer teachers in the most poverty stricken district in the state , Milwaukee. And instead of poor kids all you care about is a couple of union contracts that saved the state money on the surface, but now the poorest families in the state have less resources for their kids to use to get an education."
Tell those teachers to stop using poverty and race as an obstacle to learning....and tell these poverty stricken families to stop voting for loser DemoRats in Milwaukee who only oppress them by promising them a path to prosperity with communism.....
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:21 p.m.
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there goes vato the false labeller again, what a joke!
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:17 p.m.
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Bebe- so now negotiating is extortion? Id expect nothing less from an ideologue like you. Try to remember state workers, teachers, fire, police arent the ones who put the state in this hole, the financial meltdown was almost ompletely caused by the private sector.
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:15 p.m.
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It's about time a tough Governor stands up to communists...
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:15 p.m.
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Gone and glad- Your ability to talk in situations that dont exist and rhetoric doent make you intelligent it makes you a repeater.
Janesville did not in any way "push" through contracts, your assertion of that is COMPLETELY false. The contract was negotiated for ove a year and signed in Spetember 3 months before Walker was ever elected, so maybe reading up onsomething might help you out before you open your mouth.
Dozens of districts state wide that implemented Walkers changes are still cutting teachers to meet defecits because of Walkers draconian cuts to education funding, not just the districts that had contracts in place or negotiated new ones, again reading up a little bit might help you "articulate" your points in something other than false rhetoric. Instead of repeating others talking points try to find some facts first.
Heres one, The state Department of Workforce Development report prompted state officials to estimate a 4,000 worker drop in the local school workforce. Not to mention 354 fewer teachers in the most poverty stricken district in the state , Milwaukee. And instead of poor kids all you care about is a couple of union contracts that saved the state money on the surface, but now the poorest families in the state have less resources for their kids to use to get an education.
Talking tough is all well and good, and you an hate unions all you like, but in the end these cuts hurt the folks that need them the most. Lots of rhetoric flying around, not a lot of truth.
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:09 p.m.
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goneandglad, it is off topic but WOW. It's rare when anyone makes an outright positive claim supporting the redistribution of wealth upward through the socialized collective power of government. Big government strong arm action in the free markets!! Who woulda thunk it. Where's Joe the Plumber, huh? Most people, regardless of political affiliation, deny it when they they do it. It's good to read there are some without the denial.
Jan 26, 2012 at 1:07 p.m.
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Your right goneandglad, but mouse only spews out what his union leader tells him to say, or think. It is that type of dummying down of thinking that gives Wisconsin people a bad name.
Jan 26, 2012 at 12:50 p.m.
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Thought this was a discussion about Walker, his reforms and what he supposedly did so wrong to deserve being recalled?
The Koch Brothers? Attack on the middle class? Going way off into the weeds here.
Isn't this really just about the unions and the fact that Walker is a Republican?
Jan 26, 2012 at 12:27 p.m.
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goneandglad....... you sound sensible, but educate yourself on the Koch Brother Approach to attacking the middle class.
Jan 26, 2012 at 11:49 a.m.
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Koch -- I wish we didn't have to bribe businesses to come here, but that's not Walker's fault. Agree?
The benefit of attracting (bribing) industry is that it creates more jobs that generate income taxes. This is not just within the business, but in businesses established to support the business. It also creates a community where goods and products are needed by employees and their families. Think about what Janesville must have been like before GM came to town. In the end, the community is better.
You may see education being harmed in Janesville. You can thank your school board for that. Other communities have improved education by not having to flip the whole inflated bill.
Walker has asked public workers to get more in line with the private sector. The crappy environment is caused by the minority, yes minority, of people in Wisconsin making a lot of noise.
Jan 26, 2012 at 11:42 a.m.
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....mind you Vato based on what you just said, it seems Walker has used a stimulas approach.
Copying Obama I take it?
Suggest Veteran employment.......again taken from Obama speech.
Both are great things, but Walker needs to put the money where the jobs are and notjust in his campaign coffers. Then put back money into the schools that he raided.(Didn't he mention a need for educated workers)?
We know it is all about State raiding, and the Kochs control your muppet.
Jan 26, 2012 at 11:31 a.m.
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voto Texas awaits you........ mind you at your age I would think Arizona would be a better place.
Jan 26, 2012 at 11:22 a.m.
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"Financially sound businesses want a good work environment with a strong and educated labor force."
Texas is booming in jobs.....companies don't want to become social service agencies here in WI which is the mentality of liberals....they want everything for free...
Jan 26, 2012 at 11:20 a.m.
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God if only Walker could have claimed he got Bin Ladden........His writers must be chewing off thier pencils.
Jan 26, 2012 at 11:06 a.m.
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First list the so called "Thousands" of Walker jobs.
Pay scale?
Part time?
Full time?
Cost inccured to bribe company to employ?
Free money given to his buddies for back scratching?
How long will it be until they dump the workers? (Soon as he is re-elected)?
How many companies have gone since he moved in?
....and how come the untouched numbers by Nichalaus show Wisconsin has worst record six months in a row for job losses?
Jan 26, 2012 at 11:02 a.m.
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goneandglad - good one.
To answer your question, many states across America are dropping their britches to attract business. So the only business you attract are ones that need to play that game. Financially sound businesses want a good work environment with a strong and educated labor force.
Everyone knows Wisconsin since the Walker bomb is a crappy place to be. Neighbor against neighbor. The environment is lame and this is only after one year of Scotty. Weakening public education will Not attract the kind of businesses needed to grow the economy. Dumb people do not make for strong economies.
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Carrry on patriots.
Jan 26, 2012 at 11:01 a.m.
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The Indiana House passed Right-To-Work legislation yesterday -that is what we need to do in this state -Go Gov Daniels!!!
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:56 a.m.
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Sarah -- please find another example of collective bargaining than the bankrupt Postal Service --- all that does is justify the removal of the benefit. And the CB is part of the problem. Unions are a joke anymore.
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:55 a.m.
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@Koch-I guess we should all send out a big collective THANK YOU from all the stupid,ignorant,lazy,non-intelligent,weak females of the world that you are standing up for-what a tool you are!!! LOL!!!!
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:49 a.m.
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Still looking for someone to articulate how Governor Walker's policies have cost Wisconin jobs. All I hear is that there hasn't been any job creation. What specific policy of Walker's is driving this?
Walker haters -- please help me understand. Oh, and don't cut & paste or provide a link. Just tell me in your own words. Thank you.
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:44 a.m.
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I've had talked to several companies that want to move to Wisconsin but are holding out until after the recall is done. They said if he gets recalled they will go to a different state. How about asking Obama where are the jobs he promised? Or is that out of line to question the O Holy One?
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:43 a.m.
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Walker seemed to be sniffing a lot...... and to break it up, he would nod his head for applause from Fitz.
Just looked bad on camera........ his kids seemed to feel embarresed by what was happening.
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:37 a.m.
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Where are the jobs?
http://www.politiscoop.com/us-politics/w...
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:25 a.m.
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Bebe: Also according to Kate Bronfenbrenner, the labor expert at Cornell University, " ... Unlike like the other state, county and
municipal workers in the country who have collective bargaining rights, federal workers have their pay and benefits set by Congress. But federal workers can bargain over terms and conditions of employment besides pay and benefits.
"This has not created stable labor relations in the public sector by any means," she said. "Instead it has meant that senators and congressional representatives with large numbers of federal employees in their districts end up fighting to have money put into bills for federal workers in their districts the same as if they were lobbying to get money for a large federal contract. Thus, instead of being done in the very open transparent process of state and local public sector bargaining it is all done at a higher level, mostly behind closed doors, but the money still is getting there, just not as equitably as it would if there were collective bargaining."
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:24 a.m.
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Wow, just look at these benefits Walmart Greeters get, And that is on TOP OF THEIR PAY! HOly crap! The silent hand is creating a Walmart Welfare State!
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•Consumer-directed health plans including Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) plans and a High-deductible plan with an Health Savings Account (HSA). Plans include:◦No lifetime maximum
◦100% coverage for eligible preventive care when you use a network provider
◦Coverage for dependents up to age 26
◦No pre-existing condition limits for anyone under age 19
◦80% coverage for eligible network services after you meet your total annual deductible
◦$4 co-pay on more than 2,000 eligible generic drugs
◦Ask Mayo Clinic Nurse Line - speak to a registered nurse 24/7
◦Life with Baby Maternity Program - your own personal support network before, during and after pregnancy
◦Quit Tobacco program
•Dental Insurance
•Resources For Living® -- confidential counseling and health information service free to all associates 24/7
•Company-paid life insurance
•Optional and dependent life insurance
•Accidental death & dismemberment insurance (AD&D)
•Critical illness and accident insurance
•Short- and long-term disability insurance
•Business Travel Accident Insurance
•Illness protection (sick time)
•Associate Eyewear Program
Financial Benefits
•Matching contributions to your 401(k) up to 6%
•Associate Stock Purchase Plan with a company match of 15% up to the first $1,800 purchased each Plan year
•Associate Discount Card for Walmart associates, spouses and dependents for 10% discount on regular priced general merchandise and fresh produce purchased at a Walmart store.
•Sam’s Club memberships for Sam’s Club associates
•Discounts travel, entertainment and more
•Retirement account rollover
•Military differential pay
•Paid time-off including: holidays, vacation, personal, bereavement and jury duty
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:21 a.m.
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Claiming that the unions would have taken concessions without the Walker reforms is the biggest lie in this whole debate. Doyle tried to get them to contribute and was rejected. In December (before the reforms), the unions were declaring war on Walker. Admit it, it just wouldn't have happened if it were subject to collective bargaining.
Just look at the teacher's union in Janesville. Have they willingly taken consessions yet? Didn't think so.
Please don't try to re-write history.
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:20 a.m.
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And don't say "we get paid far less than the private sector" to justify your lucrative bene package.
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:19 a.m.
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bebe: Your statement is not true for all federal workers. According to PolitiFact, there are some exceptions. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS, for example, can bargain over wages under a 1996 law that granted full bargaining rights to a number of federal workers covered under the Federal Aviation Administration, said Kate Bronfenbrenner, a labor expert at Cornell University.
Some also point to the U.S. POSTAL SERVICE, which has nearly 600,000 career employees, most (but not all) of whom have collective bargaining rights for pay and benefits. But theirs is a somewhat different situation. Although the U.S. Postal Service reports to Congress, it is an independent agency of the United States government. Unlike the private sector, explained U.S. Postal Service spokesman Mark Saunders, postal employees cannot strike, nor can management lock them out.
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:18 a.m.
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For picture of Scotty with this article, It will be great fun to fill in the thought bubble. Ok I will start:
.
"...Me did good. Me good boy scout! Me good christian! Me slay the evil doers! Me want treat from Koch Brothers, ummm donuts..."
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:15 a.m.
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When wis taxpayers put $19.00 on the top of a gov employees $1.00 pension contribution, we got problem. And that is the new law! Wis taxpayers were putting $58.00 on top of there $1.00. Show me any job now days that would put over $1.00 on top of a private sector $1.00 pension contribution. The taxpapers are still getting the shaft!
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:13 a.m.
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http://walmartstores.com/Careers/7750.as...
Good grief, I had no idear the benefits Walmart Greeters get. A 10% discount on store purchases! The rest of US Patriots don't get that! Grab the torches and pitchforks Patriots!
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:12 a.m.
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@Koch-and so you are also saying that women are stupid and weak and not intelligent and can't stand up fot themselves without the union? How progressive and non-sexist of you-that is such an admirable postion to take
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:09 a.m.
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@Koch-so most federal workers are female?Really???
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:08 a.m.
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If it is so cowardly and awful to take away their ability to "negotiate" (extort would be a better term,actually)-then what do you think of the fact that federal employees have never had the ability to negotiate for their pay and benefits?? Even FDR-the biggest socialist next to Obama -recognized that public employees should NOT have the right to unionize-for all the obvious reasons that is apparent to everyone but the libs
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:04 a.m.
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Check out Bebe trying to be reasonable and point out some info that would dissuade us from our campaign of hate and fear and ostracizing the mostly female workers that happen to be in unions. What a laugher.
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Patriots, sound the bugle at once!
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:03 a.m.
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Fear -- Capital letters and exclamation points does not equal articulation.
The only cities that have laid-off teachers are those foolish enough to push through a new contract before the reforms took effect (Janesville, Milwaukee etc). Others have added positions now that public workers contribute and now that we're not held hostage to the infated pricing of the WEA Trust.
Teachers retiring? Don't feel sorry for anyone who can retire at 55. Plus, I believe that there are younger, better trained teachers with more energy willing to do the job for the compensation offered today. Life is about choices. Nobody fired them. They chose to leave.
You claim that fear is keeping businesses and jobs away. I agree that it is fear -- the fear of what this state could look like should Walker's reforms be reversed.
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:03 a.m.
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@fear-their TOTAL COMPENSATION has not changed one bit-so the argument that they took a "pay cut" is laughable and totally false
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:01 a.m.
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Vato-yeah the Dems only know how to spend money we don't have and drive up deficits-that's 'cuz they love the welfare state and all those unfunded entitlements that they "deserve" merely because they exist-gotta love the crying though now that they are joining the real world
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:01 a.m.
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Its called TOTAL compensation!! And if you bring home 10% less in your paycheck its a paycut! If you have less disposable income its a paycut!! You need to talk REAL numbers not hypothetical ones.
BTW, you are right on one thing its not asking too much to ask people to contribute, BUT to take their voice to negotiate away is cowardly. If you want people to pay more have the courage to negotiate with them, instead iof forcing your ideology down everyones throat!! If you want people to support your changes maybe you should try to negotiate with them instead. He could have gotten most if not all of the changes he wanted without Act 10. Lets be honest here. Walker brought this all on himself. He could have had just about everything he wanted. This was NEVER about money or balancing anything, this was about political interests, period.
Jan 26, 2012 at 10:01 a.m.
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We are headed in the right direction. Recall election a couple of months away. Then we won't be WalkerFitzissippi anymore.
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:58 a.m.
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Union members are now contributing a VERY reasonable 5.8% towards their pensions and 12.6% towards their health insurance-which is LESS than many are contributing in the private sector-and that is what you consider "slash and burn"?
That is nothing but laughable.
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:58 a.m.
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Bebe
Not once do we ever hear the word savings from Democrats....their solution are deficits, taxes, welfare, wheel tax, etc...
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:58 a.m.
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It sort of looked like Scotty had gas.
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:54 a.m.
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Vato- are you even aware how those numbers are calculated? Obviously not!!
Stupid bebe? By negotiating a contract in good faith well before Walker was elected? BTW your failure to note that the self funded JEA insurance has allowed the district to save upwards of 25-30 million dollars over the last 10 years, so where is your recognition of that?
Still waiting for any of you republicans to tell me like you had been that the budget is balanced. Ill wait.
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:52 a.m.
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There is NOTHING WRONG with asking teachers and public employees to contribute to their health and pension benefit LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE-time to join the real world!!!!
And that is NOT a PAY CUT!!!
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:50 a.m.
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How can the unemployment rate be going down when the job losses are going up? Don't get so excited about the drop in unemployment rates, Scooter.
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/new-ec...
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:49 a.m.
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Huge rises in teachers being unemployed? Teachers statewide taking large pay hits?10% in many cases? Increased class sizes? Largescale retirements of the best most experienced teachers state wide? Id say that the public ed system will be affected now and for many years to come. If you want a real answer about how this affects education, why don't you ask your childs teacher. Do you think that this environment is good for teachers? How many more times will we ask them to take pay cuts? Try to remember that TEACHERS ARE EDUCATION, they make it happen, by taking from them you take from education. I get so sickof this notion that because they love what they do and care about the futures of the kids they educate that they should just bend over and take whatever pay cut is handed down. These people have families/mortages bills to pay and they now will struggle even more than they already do!! But hey slah and burn, if they "really care" they'll just take it and figure out how to make up for it, right?
See I actually talk to my kids teachers and ask them how this has affected them, maybe you should do the same. Also try to remember that almost every teacher pays for supplies from their own pocket and trhat also seems to go unoticed as well.
I would also ask anyone that supports this attack on public ed funding to look at whether or not the budget is even balanced? ITS NOT!!
So please tell me how courageous it is again to cut teacher salaries statewide? Your definition of courage and mine are quite different.
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:37 a.m.
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Once walker is out the door we can get the state troopers back on the HY to pick up speeders
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:36 a.m.
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From Nov to Dec
-2 decrease in unemployment rate in WI
From 7.3 to 7.1.....
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/laus...
Fear
Put that in your pipe and smoke it.......
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:35 a.m.
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What has he done?
Gee-the public union reforms allowed school districts like Wauwatosa,Racine,LaCrosse,Eau Claire to alter the health and pension contributions to prevent massive layoffs and in some cases not to fire or let go a single teacher.
Three of the largest school districts-Milwaukee,Kenosha and Janesville-who were stupid enough to lock their taxpayers into contracts before the reforms took place-saw layoffs of more than 800 total teaching positions.
It is estimated that the Appleton school district saved more than $3.1 million on their health insurance because of the reforms Walker put in place and it is also estimated that 74 local units of government statewide saved approximately $162 million
Not too shabby- amazing what happens when unions lose their "buying power" at the State Capital-Go Gov. Walker!!!!!
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.
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from the politifact link from wislady:""Walker said that, because of the Democrats’ 2009-2011 budget, school property tax levies would have increased an estimated 17.3 percent in 2011 had he not taken the steps he did with his 2011-2013 budget.
Hmmm.
In the ad, Walker flatly claimed that Democrats raised taxes by double-digits. Now he’s talking about a hypothetical -- indeed, one that didn’t occur""
""Walker contends Democrats raised business taxes by $456 million, or 28 percent, over two years.
Among other things, he cited the Democratic adoption of "combined reporting," which taxes a relatively small number of Wisconsin-based businesses on income from subsidiaries outside the state, rather than only those within Wisconsin. That tax is estimated to raise $187 million over two years. He also cited elimination of a tax deduction for domestic production, which is estimated to increase corporate income tax payments by nearly $72 million.
Dale Knapp, research director of the nonprofit Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, said there isn’t a good base on which to calculate the $450 million increase. But roughly $350 million of that increase is to be paid in corporate income taxes, which is roughly an increase of 21 percent, he said""
Everyone knows who gets hit hardest by the combined reporting law? WAL MART!! Know about the combined reporting laws before you follow the bouncing ball on that one. THAT is by far the biggest part of that "tax increase" mostly cause the Las Vegas loophole.
""Walker cites a number of double-digit tax increases the Democrats made, including a 42 percent hike in the tax on cigarettes to $2.52 per pack; more than doubling the $75 per-bed per-month assessment paid by nursing homes; and more than doubling the "tipping fee" charged to landfills, which is ultimately passed on to garbage generators such as families.
Our own research turned up one Walker didn’t cite.
The Democrats raised the top income tax rate from 6.75 percent to 7.75 percent. That 1-percentage-point increase amounts to a 15 percent boost in the rate itself. The change caused a 13.5 percent increase in the actual tax paid by people with an adjusted gross income of $1 million or more, according to the taxpayers alliance.""
So when talking abou "tax increases" lets be sure to put it into the proper context.
1) are people in support of companies like Wal-Mart paying their fair share? I would say so(Combined reporting)
2) the school levies? A hypothetical? Hmmm, even if they were true according to the poll just released Wisconsin supports funding education
3) a 1% raise on the top Income tax rate? Again something that MOST Wisconsinites support
4) a 42% raise in Cigarette taxes? Thats it? You buy poison and put it in the atmosphere YOU SHOULD PAY MORE!
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:24 a.m.
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Can someone please articulate for me what specifically Walker has done to lose jobs in the private sector? All I can see is that he has held the line on taxes and worked to make Wisconsin more attractive for business.
And, before you answer that "he gutted the education system", you need to answer how education is worse now that a year ago. I have kids in public school and see no change. Further, this is preventing job growth -- is that really your answer?
Sure, job growth isn't what we want it to be, but would you move a business to Wisconsin with all of this going on?
Just wait until all of the recall foolishness and pettiness is over. We'll stabilize and we can move forward.
Thank you Governor Walker for taking a stand that nobody else had the courage to!
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:17 a.m.
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RECALL WALKER!
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:14 a.m.
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When you lie you should be called to task. The unemployment rate has little effect on ACTUAL unemployment. It simply shows that the number of people collecting benefits has fallen.
The budget is NOT balanced, never was. Not been any closer to it than the day he took over. 6straight months of job losses , increased government spending, 1.6 billion in education cuts? Now thats a record to run on!!
51% approval rating in a Milwaukee area(Marquette poll? Those 701 people represent the whole state of 4.37 million votes? ok, suuure. You look at the SPECIFIC ISSUES in THAT poll, and the outlook for Scott Walker is not good. Education cuts opposed 65-35? CB is a 50-50 split? So lets have a campaign. The dems need to find a better candidate or this will represent the presidential race full of bad candidates running against a beatable incumbent? WHat I don't get is why Russ Feingold won't run? At a time when Wisconsin needs him, he would pound Walker, and may be the only in state democrat who would be able to.
Jan 26, 2012 at 9:05 a.m.
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Fighting recall, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says "double-digit tax increases" preceded him
http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/stat...
Jan 26, 2012 at 8:59 a.m.
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Recall your mom. .
Jan 26, 2012 at 8:36 a.m.
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The lady screaming "Liar" at the speech sounded like a 3 year old having a temper tantrum. You Walker haters keep going lower and lower.
Walker is good for WI.
I can't wait for the recall vote. What will you union losers do when you lose again? I don't see how you could possibly cry any louder.
Jan 26, 2012 at 8:28 a.m.
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justmy414: Well said. This sums up my feelings: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/...
Jan 26, 2012 at 8:27 a.m.
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worriedcitizen, with Walker in office, I'm a worried citizen as well.
Jan 26, 2012 at 8:25 a.m.
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Just another pack of Walker lies. Pay to play=The Walker Way.
Jan 26, 2012 at 8:15 a.m.
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Pat on the back to your Governor, Scott Walker, for not letting those that care only about themselves, get to you. BACK WALKER ALL THE WAY!
Jan 26, 2012 at 8:12 a.m.
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Obama's speech sounded like a campaign speech to me too.
Jan 26, 2012 at 8:12 a.m.
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Walker all the way.......
Jan 26, 2012 at 8 a.m.
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Governor Walker....Thanks.
Jan 26, 2012 at 7:56 a.m.
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A great speech by a great governor! Retain walker!
Jan 26, 2012 at 7:45 a.m.
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Three cheers for the lady that yelled "LIAR RECALL WALKER" - so many lies - Hey Scott tell the truth why you were forced to lift the enrollment caps on Badger Care. It's not because you cared or came up with a way to help because you don't care! Walker is still the same guy that wanted to slash the state spening in medicaid. So many lies and they continue in so many ways. Scott will tell you he has integrity because he was a Boy Scout - hogwash. Let the RECALL & JOHN DOE probe continue so we can see the real Scot Walker.
Jan 26, 2012 at 7:41 a.m.
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In Doyle's final year only 39% agreed Wisconsin was moving in the right direction. Now it is 51%.
Good deal Walker
Jan 26, 2012 at 7:35 a.m.
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RETAIN WALKER!!!
Jan 26, 2012 at 7:25 a.m.
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Really? Walker gave his first year in office a positive assessment? Amazing! That wasn't a "state of the state" speech - it was a campaign speech. I'm sure Voldemort gave himself rave reviews in the Daily Prophet as well. (That was a Harry Potter reference for those who don't get it.)
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Oh - and for the sake of the reader - the unemployment rate is "down' because it only counts those actually seeking employment. The long-term unemployed (including hundreds her in the Janesville area) are not longer "counted" due to a horribly flawed method of calculating htat statistic. Federal statistics have shown that Wisconsin has been hemorrhaging jobs faster than any other state for the last 6 months. Recent announcements of companies moving to Superior and Janesville are not accompanied by actual jobs yet...but perhaps in a few years.
Jan 26, 2012 at 7:12 a.m.
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Since October 2011 the unemployment rate dropped from 7.7% in October to 7.3% in December to 7.1% in January.
Department of Workforce Development, or DWD.
http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/newsrelease...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics say WI unemployment rate for Dec. 7.1%
http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm...
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