Wisconsin holds recall more than a year in making
MADISON — Following a brief but bruising campaign, both sides of the recall election targeting Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker are prepared for a razor-thin margin Tuesday as the Republican tries to become the first U.S. governor to successfully fend off a recall effort.
The vote will bring to a conclusion more than a year of turmoil after Walker pushed through a bill stripping workers of collective bargaining rights in an effort to fix a hole in the state budget. Polls have shown Walker, just 17 months into his term, with a small lead over Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett after a campaign that's shattered state spending records and further divided an already polarized state. Both candidates worked in a flurry of last-minute stops in the campaign's final days, all too aware that turnout will be critical.
"I've been villainized for a year and a half. We've faced a year and a half of assaults on us. My opponent has no plans other than to attack us," Walker said at a campaign stop Monday, claiming that his agenda has put the state on the right economic track.
Walker said he is focused on capturing voters who have supported him in taking on public-employee unions, while Barrett is trying to capitalize on the anger over Walker's conservative agenda that began building almost as soon as he took office in January 2011.
"Gov. Walker has divided the state but we will never allow him to conquer the middle class," Barrett said at an afternoon appearance. He added: "This started out as a grassroots movement and it's going to end as one."
The recall effort against Walker began bubbling last year, shortly after the rising Republican star took office. Just a month into his first term, Walker took the state by surprise with a proposal to effectively end collective bargaining rights for most state workers and pay more for health insurance and pension benefits as a tactic to deal with the state's budget shortfall. The proposal created a firestorm of opposition, and protests drew tens of thousands to the state Capitol.
It didn't take long for opponents to begin calling for a recall.
The recall petition drive couldn't officially start until November, months after Walker signed the union changes into the books, because Wisconsin law requires that someone must be in office for at least a year before facing a recall. Organizers hit the streets a week before Thanksgiving and spent two months gathering more than 900,000 signatures — about 360,000 more than were needed to trigger the election. Barrett was chosen as Walker's opponent in a primary last month.
Now, Walker stands in unique company: He is only the third governor in U.S. history to face a recall vote. The other two lost, most recently California Gov. Gray Davis in 2003.
Wisconsin's recall election is a rematch of the 2010 governor's race in which Walker defeated Barrett by 5 percentage points. A key question will be whether or not Democrats can turn out voters in force, as the unions did during the protests last year. Polls show there are few undecided voters; if it's close, it could come down to how well both do in swing counties in the western part of the state.
Many of those ballots have already been cast through absentee voting. Retired teacher Jan Stebbins cast her ballot early for Barrett, just as she did two years ago. She said she's been offended by Walker, not by what he's done but "how he's done it." Stebbins can't stand the division that's emerged during the past two years.
By Wednesday morning, she hopes the state "gets back to a little bit more unity," she said. "I don't know what will happen."
Todd Schober, a financial planner from Racine, voted for Walker in 2010 and planned to do so again Tuesday.
"I'm just going to be so glad when it's all over," he said.
Walker, the 44-year-old son of a minister, has remained unflappable throughout the campaign just as he was during the massive protests that raged at the Statehouse for weeks as lawmakers debated his proposal. Along the way, he's become a star among Republicans and the most successful fundraiser in Wisconsin politics, collecting at least $31 million from around the country since taking office. That obliterated his fundraising record of $11 million from 2010.
Much of the money for the race has come from out of state. About $63 million has been spent on the race so far, including $16 million from conservative groups such as the Republican Governors Association, Americans for Prosperity and the National Rifle Association. The majority of Walker's donations are from people outside Wisconsin.
Democratic groups — including those funded by unions, the Democratic Governors Association and the Democratic National Committee — have poured in about $14 million, based on a tally from the government watchdog group the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. Barrett's $4.2 million in donations, meanwhile, were mostly from inside Wisconsin.
The race has attracted some big names on both sides. Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie appeared on behalf of Walker, while former President Bill Clinton came out for Barrett in the race's final days. Notably absent was President Barack Obama. White House press secretary Jay Carney was asked during a briefing Monday why Obama wasn't campaigning in Wisconsin for Barrett.
"The president supports him, stands by him," Carney said, adding that Obama hopes Barrett prevails.
The president himself took to the social media micro-blogging site Twitter late Monday to send much the same message.
"It's Election Day in Wisconsin tomorrow," Obama tweeted, "and I'm standing by Tom Barrett. He'd make an outstanding governor. -bo"
Walker won't be the only politician up for recall Tuesday. His lieutenant governor, Rebecca Kleefisch, and three Republican state senators also face recall votes Tuesday. A fourth state Senate seat will be determined after the Republican incumbent resigned rather than face the recall.
The recall will have implications for both labor unions and the presidential race in November. Labor unions have a lot at stake because they pushed so hard to force a recall. But when it comes to the presidential race, exactly what those implications are is unclear.
Republicans are hopeful a Walker win will pave the way for Mitt Romney to win Wisconsin, making him the first GOP candidate to carry the state since Ronald Reagan in 1984. If Walker loses, most agree Obama will have an edge. Either way, the state is likely to remain in play.
In the divided state, though, many are just ready for the seemingly endless campaigning to end. For months, voters have been inundated with telephone calls, campaign mail and television advertising. Barrett supporter John Oehrke is ready to be done.
"It doesn't really matter who wins I guess," Oehrke said. "It's all crazy."
Jun 10, 2012 at 3:38 a.m.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzVPeO4lm...
Jun 9, 2012 at 8:41 a.m.
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"a chamber Walker otherwise could have called into special session to ram through the other ALEC legislation he was paid to champion"
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You made the claim he was paid to champion a cause but now spin in circles over not wanting to prove your idiotic remarks.
Jun 9, 2012 at 8:40 a.m.
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RetiredAirForce, I can't provide proof for a potential.future event. Are you suggesting what I had suggested could have happened is impossible if the Democrats were not in control of the Senate? I now understand that you think the person to get the last word is the winner, so I'll now give you the last word on this one.
Jun 9, 2012 at 8:39 a.m.
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"now, just quit private messaging me"
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If your claim was true, claiming it was over 7 months ago and claiming victim status today for it, put forth the whole message don't be scared.
Jun 9, 2012 at 8:37 a.m.
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poo_koc uttered " My comment was not about you sending multiple private messages."
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Really than why the talk of plurals in your wording? Are you back peddling, lying, or was it just multiple occurrence of the same mistake?
You stated "private messaging", "your first private message" [why not say the message if only one?], and "received private messages". Then again stating the truth without your consistent circular and off topic comments are sadly common place for your multiple accounts.
Jun 9, 2012 at 8:33 a.m.
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RetiredAirForce, people are tired of this. You're now trying to change the focus from first lying about not having private messaged me to now arguing about the use of variants of the word message. You can have the last word now, just quit private messaging me.
Jun 9, 2012 at 8:26 a.m.
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"a chamber Walker otherwise could have called into special session to ram through the other ALEC legislation he was paid to champion"
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More empty rhetoric with no real proof...still waiting for any proof. Your tr-cornered hat comments are unique yet you fail to back up your wild claims.
Jun 9, 2012 at 8:20 a.m.
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Oh poor victim poo_koch. I suggest you list them all, as you claim there are multiple in your post. I suggest you don't edit them...have the bravery to put forth what you claim. Troll.
Jun 9, 2012 at 7:51 a.m.
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Oh, so now you're admitting to it. My comment was not about you sending multiple private messages. Let's look at the previous exchange again:
I said, "What does bother me a bit though is you private messaging me like you have and calling me "buttercup.""
You replied, "Two lies! One about the account and the other over mysterious fabricated private messages.".
You always, eventually, seem to find the way to the truth.
Jun 9, 2012 at 5:55 a.m.
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" accused of lying for stating they have received private messages"
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Oh poor victim poo_koch. I suggest you list them all, as you claim there are multiple in your post. I suggest you don't edit them...have the bravery to put forth what you claim. Troll.
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:59 p.m.
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vatoloco, I'm sure people who have been wrongly accused of lying for stating they have received private messages (unsolicited and unwanted), would also expose them. But as you may have noticed, I didn't include the contents of the message. I think it was just enough to jog the memory of the sender and hopefully that ends it.
Jun 8, 2012 at 3:04 p.m.
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LOL, not only a troll but a delusional one. I'll give you credit you do have a vivid imagination. Scary thing is your delusional over wanting private messages. You have taken your projections to a new extreme.
Jun 8, 2012 at 2:28 p.m.
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At approximately 9:00 PM on June 5th the poster known as Mouse became confused and disoriented at the announcement of Walker's victory. The cause is said have been an overcharge of denile.
She is believed to be out in the woods hunting deer out of season.
/s
Jun 8, 2012 at 2:23 p.m.
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Two lies?
Regarding the "buttercup" reference, RetiredAirForce. Here's one:
RetiredAirForce said, "My advice to you is suck it up buttercup." - May 31, 2012 at 4:32 a.m. [ http://gazettextra.com/weblogs/we-people... ]
To save you the embarrassment of including the confidential text of your first private message, RetiredAirForce, I've removed the text.
Sent: Sun 11/13/11 5:35 AM
Hello,
The user RetiredAirForce sent the following message to you via GazetteXtra.com:
==============================
[ ... ]
==============================
Please do not reply to this e-mail message. To send RetiredAirForce a response, visit this Web page:
http://gazettextra.com/users/RetiredAirF...
Jun 8, 2012 at 2:04 p.m.
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" What does bother me a bit though is you private messaging me like you have and calling me "buttercup.""
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Two lies! One about the account and the other over mysterious fabricated private messages. The poo_koch troll strikes again...LOL
Jun 8, 2012 at 1:55 p.m.
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doc0430
Jun 7, 2012 at 12:20 a.m.
Better then a Walker victory. Although I've seen some posts that look oddly familiar under assumed names. Believe me she's here.
Jun 8, 2012 at 1:29 p.m.
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RetiredAirForce, you'll have to ask the Gazette staff why they deleted someone else's account. I'm not privy to that information. I've suggested, several times, that you take your obsession with my account to the Gazette staff for their review. I would imagine the platform they use for comments keeps logs of IP addresses and allows them to check for duplicate accounts. Here I am! I don't mind you obsessing over my account. What does bother me a bit though is you private messaging me like you have and calling me "buttercup."
Jun 8, 2012 at 10:38 a.m.
Jun 7, 2012 at 11:50 p.m.
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"put your tri-cornered patriot hat back on."
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Oops! Did the poo_koch slip from character once again?
Jun 7, 2012 at 12:19 p.m.
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You can take off your Great Carnac hat now, vatoloco, and put your tri-cornered patriot hat back on.
Jun 7, 2012 at 12:20 a.m.
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Mouse
Jun 5, 2012 at 5:10 p.m.
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Want to be able to take your grandkids hunting in the future.... consider your options.....
Have the ability to hunt or just sit at the side of the road and watch the wealthy use our land.
Vote for Barrett and save Wisconsin traditions.
Ladies and Gentleman, that was the last incoherent post from our dimwitted friend!
The mouse is out of the house.
Jun 6, 2012 at 9:10 p.m.
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That's not me waving the white flag, TCB. That's Van Wanggaard.
Jun 6, 2012 at 8:59 p.m.
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poobag, I see you waving the white flag of surrender. I was looking to an enlightened individual as yourself to tell me what least educated means.....
After all it was you that implied, but lack the courage to write it that you believe stupid people vote republican......
Jun 6, 2012 at 7:16 p.m.
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TCB, you've again answered your own questions. Instead of prefacing your questions with other people's usernames, why don't you just preface your questions with TCB? Quite the dialog you just had with yourself. I rather enjoyed it.
Jun 6, 2012 at 6:41 p.m.
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Pooba,
what is least educated? If 20% of adults in janesville have a college degree (BA or greater) this means that 80% do not-barrett overwhelmingy won Rock County. If I have a masters degree and you have a PhD-in theory I am less educated-correct?
Look at all those brilliant PhDs who are employed by the UW system-overwhelmingly registered democrat. They are more educated than I am-at least by PGY (post graduate years) statistics....
Either Wisconsin has a bunch of really stupid people according to the left or the left really believes they are the pseudo intellectual ones we've been waiting for and those less educated people are too stupid to know a good thing when they see it.
Jun 6, 2012 at 6:06 p.m.
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vatoloco said, "67% of blue collar workers voted for Walker...a clear sign working people are tired of Democrat policies."
56% of the the least educated people voted for Walker...a clear sign that the least educated people support Republican policies.
Jun 6, 2012 at 5:54 p.m.
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TCB, as I said, I knew you could find a definition to suit your purpose. Why would you ask me for the definition of a word and then choose to ignore it in favor of three definitions you had? Your attempt to associate progressivism with Barrett, or support for Barrett, is an absolute tragedy. My support for Barrett was born in opposition to the economic elitism of Walker -- Barrett being the lesser of two evils, by far. When you want to have a serious discussion about progressivism, private message me.
Jun 6, 2012 at 5:27 p.m.
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Poobah,
Progressive is an adjective-it modifies something. It means to advocate change, improvement or reform-this is by definition. Tell us, what exactly did a vote for Barrett promise to reform? ACt 10 is real reform-barrett promised a return to status quo. Progressive is also defined as continous improvement-and yet you support politicians who promise no progress, no reform, only status quo. There is no continuos improvement-unless you are part of the concentrated interest that Barrett promised to protect.
Used as a noun-Progressive is a person that favors reform especially in political matters and yet Barrett and the left promises no reform only a turn back the clock and lets pretend.
Jun 6, 2012 at 4:58 p.m.
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TCB, I'm sure your capable of finding many definitions for what a "progressive" is, including those that are custom-made by non-progressives to suit the purpose of discrediting progressivism. The definition that most closely aligns with how I think of progressivism, and is concise and descriptive, comes from the Progressive Living website, which is a wealth of resources for everyone. I recommend you check it out and learn from it. [ http://www.progressiveliving.org ]
"Progressivism is a political philosophy that takes as its objective the greatest political and economic good of the greatest number (sometimes called the common good). It is, therefore, a form of liberal populism. Progressivism thus stands in sharpest contrast to economic elitism and political authoritarianism." [ http://www.progressiveliving.org/progres... ]
Jun 6, 2012 at 2:56 p.m.
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Poobha,
What is a progressive?
Jun 6, 2012 at 2:37 p.m.
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TCB, I wasn't dealing with hypothetical situations as you are.
Jun 6, 2012 at 2:34 p.m.
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Poohbah,
What if they were public sector unionized employees and their salary increased-what is their cost of the recall?
Jun 6, 2012 at 2:34 p.m.
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Poohbah,
What if they were public sector unionized employees and their salary increased-what is their cost of the recall?
Jun 6, 2012 at 1:44 p.m.
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Ezoner, if there were a way to tax the people that support Walker for the $2.5 billion in lost payroll due to declining wages under Walker's watch, I would hope for your support on that as well. Wisconsin workers lost an average of $936 per year in income last year. Take that times the 2.7+ million workers and you have a loss of wages of over $2.5 billion in the state. Cost of the recall to those workers - about $7. Cost of the lost wages to those workers - $936.
Jun 6, 2012 at 11:10 a.m.
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Fear,
The state senate session has adjourned for the year. The senate is not likely to meet again and when they do meet again, it will be after the redistricting lines have been drawn and for the life of me I cannot remember which party re-drew the lines. The party that redrew the lines is likely to have an advantage.
Maybe the newly controlled democrat State senators will agree to meet in Rockford for planning sessions for the new 2013 session?
Jun 6, 2012 at 10:29 a.m.
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Did NOTHING but piss off the public? Really Ezoner, the general public BESIDES the 1.2 million that voted againsrt Walker? This whole thing again acting as if he won 100% of the vote, he won by 160,000 votes of 2.5 million cast. Why does the opinions of those who disagree with you mean nothing? You continue to wipe your mouths withe the constitution when it serves your purpose.
Please spare me the whole, we dont have 9 million dollars rhetoric. We dont have nine million for a recall but we have 7 million for voter id? Was there widespread fraud last night? Do we have 100 million dollars for "economic development" in Milwaukee? BTW why dont you look at what that 100 million will go to, big money donors/contractors. So please spare me this whole rhetoric about we dont have any money. We have money, plenty of it, its like TCB said to the victor goes the spoils, or should I say the spending. this disengenuous doublespeak is pretty funny. You all act like Walker isnt a career politician who does nothing but allocate SPENDING of tax dollars!! Its HIS spending, HE decides where it goes.
BTW Senate is now in control of Democrats!! No more rubber stamp.
Jun 6, 2012 at 9:49 a.m.
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The most effective ads were depicting government worker's compensation compared with the average tax payer's compensation....it doesn't need to get any more sophisticated than that folks..people SEE first hand how these 'scam artists' are abusing our government to line their pockets with our tax dollars....and they have NO SHAME as they continue to raise taxes as they vote to pay themselves more and more.
Jun 6, 2012 at 8:18 a.m.
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What gets me is the people elected a Gov. and because a special interest group - overpaid public unions - didnt like the policies, they forced a recall. Wasted millions of dollars and did nothing but piss off the general public. There are a few far left people that supported it -- people like fear, poo etc... but the vast majority just wanted the Gov. do do his job based upon his convictions and what he ran on. If there was a way to tax those individuals to pay for the mess they created, it would be a just reward.
Jun 6, 2012 at 6:50 a.m.
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Finally, this is over. We the people have spoken, again! Time to get back to work and continue Walker's plan to put this state on the road to recovery, after this last diversion.
It is time to stand united for progress.
Jun 6, 2012 at 5:03 a.m.
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Fear, any money spent is a waste for the same outcome and even 2 more percentage points then last time. Do you have 9.3 million for the recall and the clean up at the capital? Any money used to have to fix something that was not broken until cry babies broke stuff is unforgivable. Yes the people of Wisconsin will not forget what the people did to get the recall. You can put your spin on it any way you want, My reality is stated above. Are you tired of always being on the defense yet?
Jun 6, 2012 at 1:01 a.m.
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Independents do, Fear. As a progressive, I supported Barrett and I also supported Obama in 2008, but I will not vote for Obama because of his compromise on healthcare reform, indefinite detention in the NDAA, failure to stop torture of prisoners and rendition and dragging his feet on comprehensive immigration reform, DADT (which only ended due to Joe Lieberman's commitment to ending it) and his questionably-timed "evolution" on DOMA and same sex marriage. That said, I surely would not vote for Romney under any circumstances. I've never been so concerned about the sustainability of America as I am now. Economic elitists in both parties see the country as a cash cow and they're milking it dry with the willing cooperation of our elected officials.
Jun 6, 2012 at 12:42 a.m.
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weirdest part of this whole night: exit polling shows that Obama leads Romney 52 to 43? Huh? By the looks of the election the Marquette polling was right, but this one? Who in the hell votes for walker and Obama?
Jun 6, 2012 at 12:40 a.m.
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TCB- little early on the blowout mercy rule? Walker wins by less than 200k among 2.5 million ballots cast? Hardly a landslide. A win but certainly no blow out like so many were gloating about earlier.
Jun 6, 2012 at 12:37 a.m.
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Money is speech? Huh and all this time I talked with my mouth. Guess not in this America.
Welcome to the plutocracy, this country surely isnt what most think it is.
Jun 5, 2012 at 11:13 p.m.
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Fear,
Money is speech. But in the end ideology still matters.
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:48 p.m.
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This election was a referendum on the legislation that Governor Walker has passed and legislation that he is intending on passing. The people have spoken and want him to continue to lead us in the direction he has been. I am extremely proud to be both a Wisconsinite tonight and to be a part of the process of green lighting the legislation/policy that I have supported all along. The entire country has been watching our election--it should give other states the courage to follow in our footsteps....Congratulations go out to our Governor Walker. Keep up the good work!
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:32 p.m.
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Thank you Scott!
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:28 p.m.
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Mayor Barrett conceded about 10 minuets ago. I thought he would hold out longer, but he graciously stepped up early. Unfortunately, many Democrats are taking the low road instead. Hopefully, they'll get over their hurt soon. Anger and fury didn't get them anywhere tonight. It won't help them later, either. I hope they realize that soon, for their own sakes.
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:25 p.m.
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"Stop doubling numbers"
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That is unless were talking about signatures then it's okay....
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:56 p.m.
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amazing how money buys elections isnt it? If you dont think money buys electins, youre nuts. TCB you are one of the smarter conservatives on here, I grow tired of cheerleading. I am looking forward to the litany of business that has been waiting to flood in.................waiting........waiting.
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:52 p.m.
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The recall isnt costing 20million, just like the capitol didnt cost 7 million to clean up. Do you enjoy lying? Opinion?
""A recall election to oust Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker from office could cost at least $9 million.
The estimate from the state Government Accountability Board is based on figures from county clerks, the state's municipal clerks and the board itself.
""
Stop doubling numbers , maybe you should step away from the keyboard while drinking.
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:40 p.m.
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Fear,
there is a loser tonight-Milwaukee still has its mayor.
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:39 p.m.
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fear,
Coaching youth baseball Great-I did this for 10 years and loved it! A baseball analogy for you-this election was mercy ruled after 4 innings! Not even close-this is a blowout.
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:36 p.m.
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someones 4 yaer old got ahold of ther computer. Or maybe your just that dumb. (the latter)
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:34 p.m.
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I lost? Really? What did I lose? I voted , and then I coached little league tonight. What did you do killngrill? Sit at your puter with pom poms and a dress? Grow up, am I disappointed? YES!! I hope that Wisconsin gets better soon, I am here to tell you , it wont, I hope I am wrong.
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:29 p.m.
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fearandrhetoric4dummies;
After all of your opinions (and not facts) that you have posted in the past several months; you must feel pretty dejected right now!!
*
I mean AGAIN!!!
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:23 p.m.
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Hope you sleep well fear and dummie!!
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Now where is my $20 million??
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:21 p.m.
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
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Jun 5, 2012 at 9:21 p.m.
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:19 p.m.
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yada, yada, yada
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Sorry; you LOST; AGAIN; YES AGAIN!!!
:-)
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:18 p.m.
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We the people; RAF; WE THE PEOPLE!!!!
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:18 p.m.
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Sorry mouse; you LOST; AGAIN!!!
:-)
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:17 p.m.
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Sorry fear; you LOST; AGAIN!!!!!!
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:15 p.m.
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THANKS FOR SPENDING $20 MILLION+ ON THE SAME ELECTION RESULTS.
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THANKS ALL SIGNERS; THANKS!!!
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SLEEP WELL!!!!
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:14 p.m.
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""
If that is so put back the $20 million taxpayers paid for this temper tantrum.
""
Huh Walker was on Cnn saying it was 9 million, Kleefish has said 7-9 million, now 20? Kinda like the 7.5 million it cost to clean up the Capitol? Oh thats right 300k. Spare me your numbers. It looks like the Eagle scout wins. Its official Wisconsin is a dumb state and getting dumber by the election.
Crazy thing is that Obama leads in exit polls 52-43 over Romney? huh?
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:04 p.m.
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8:54 pm, NBC News projects Gov. Scott Walker the winner.
Jun 5, 2012 at 7:39 p.m.
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ted, I really don't know where you get your numbers from, perhaps you could share your source?
And >100% turnout is technically possible because in WI you can register to vote at the polls. Percentage is calculated on # of voters divided by # of registered voters in the book at the beginning of the day. It's not fraud, just a wrong use of percentages.
Jun 5, 2012 at 7:35 p.m.
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They’re Cutting Property Taxes In Wisconsin (April 16, 2012): Today Governor Walker announced that statewide property taxes for the typical homeowner have gone down for the first time in 12 years. The tax bill for the median value home is $39 per homeowner lower than originally estimated by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau when the 2011-2013 budget was passed.
Since 1998, property taxes paid by homeowners have risen 43 percent. This year property taxes paid by the typical homeowner went down 4 percent. Without the Governor’s reforms the average homeowner would have paid an additional $700 over the biennium.
When you try to do this, you get recalled. Not that Walker is likely to lose the recall. He’s going to win, and the unions will have spent a big pile of money on not a lot of success.
But states – who have to balance their budgets – that can cut taxes are states which are doing a lot better job of managing their money. Walker is an example of somebody who has a clue. He was willing to deal harshly with the unions and pay the price they’d exact on him politically in an effort to properly manage that money.
Walker needs to be held up as the standard. We should keep him in mind as we watch the Louisiana legislature’s efforts to resolve an $800 million (or larger) budget deficit or enact pension reform.
Jun 5, 2012 at 6:58 p.m.
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"It doesn't really matter who wins I guess," Oehrke said.
If that is so put back the $20 million taxpayers paid for this temper tantrum.
Jun 5, 2012 at 6:53 p.m.
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Ted: Where are you getting your exit polls?
Jun 5, 2012 at 6:50 p.m.
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Dirty Scott Walker TRICKS to KEEP VOTERS AWAY AND.....
http://www.policymic.com/articles/9269/w...
Jun 5, 2012 at 6:47 p.m.
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Walker FBI John Doe charges.
http://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/...
Jun 5, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.
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A Walker paternity story....talk about it Scott Walker....don't STONEWALL on this story.
http://wcmcoop.com/members/integrity-the...
Jun 5, 2012 at 6:02 p.m.
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You know whats annoying about all of this is it cost what 3-4 million to have this little Demobrat recall party....you do realize that took good money that could have been used elsewhere for what will amount to nothing...how many families could have used what that money could have done for them...and dems are for the working class...yeah if its on their agenda, if you just need help...forget it...then they hide behind words like middle class, and working class and "the people" its all BS. They are worse than any Republican they choose to name call. VOTE WALKER
Jun 5, 2012 at 5:50 p.m.
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mouse, i am forced to grow old. as for growing up, no thanks. it makes people sour like you.
Jun 5, 2012 at 5:36 p.m.
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Hey Mouse took 11 employees to vote for Walker....your so full of crap
Jun 5, 2012 at 5:35 p.m.
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For all of you asking about "MOUSEY" and its intelligence...first and formost its a rodent that lives in a hole. Owls and Hawks use it for food, however I don't think the taste is apealing....look at the vile crap it spreads and you can see that bottom of the food chain is the correct place for this ignorant piece of work...
Jun 5, 2012 at 5:25 p.m.
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Mouse,
What else will King Walker take away? If I don't like the fact that you hunt on public land-should I be able to protest and occupy that land-during hunting season-protesting your presence and violent interaction with nature-yes, Im certain that you support my right to occupy public land to interfere with the slaughter of thousands of defenseless deer (for example)? Mouse are you a member of the NRA? Who do they support? Barrett already has a history of agreeing with toothless, irrelevant gun control legislation. Perhaps you only hunt tasty animals with a bow?
Jun 5, 2012 at 5:20 p.m.
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Mouse......Are you really that ignorant or can you simply not read. You have been called out on the completely false hunting claim on several occasions......
http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/stat...
Jun 5, 2012 at 4:47 p.m.
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I was just promised cigarettes if I would vote for Barrett!
Jun 5, 2012 at 4:35 p.m.
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Just got back from casting my vote for Walker.........what a great day!:)
Jun 5, 2012 at 4:28 p.m.
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REPUBLICAN lawmaker ENDORSES TOM BARRETT & LORI COMPAS...
http://www.politiscoop.com/us-politics/w...
Jun 5, 2012 at 4:26 p.m.
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Mouse is in the House!! Go Barrett!!
Jun 5, 2012 at 4:15 p.m.
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We waited long enough through all the **** we went through it’s up to us. It has come down to election day whoever wins this will be over with because this will be the choice we made I hope it was worth the $9 million dollars we will pay for this recall. Let’s just be sure we get it right this time I do not want to go through another recall again.
Jun 5, 2012 at 4:07 p.m.
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lol fear. like the great songwriter Michael Peter Smith wrote, "Life is pretty zippy when you quit doin weed." btw, I'm 42.
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:56 p.m.
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If Walker wins, let the whining and crying end once and for all. If Barrett wins, let the Republicans begin the recall petitioning immediately to have him removed from office. And the beat goes on......
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:26 p.m.
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I guess the good news as at least the anti-union thugs quit harassing me for having an opinion that is different from theirs.
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:21 p.m.
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Poobah, I thought you were making fun of me at first glance. You are correct though, everyone is paranoid.
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:18 p.m.
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Poobah your correct! Walker has made me think no one can be trusted based on what they say! Sorry couldn't resist. Again I do apologize, something a Scooter fan could NEVER do.
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:15 p.m.
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amyd said, "Your welcome Poobah! I chose to exercise my right to vote, something you probably wouldn't understand."
Why is it that people can no longer take what others say at face value? I was being very genuine in my thanks to you and Stubby when I said, "Stubby and amyd, thanks for having the best interests of Wisconsin in mind when voting for Barrett." Lighten up. I am very much a Barrett supporter and my comment to you was very genuine. I guess in this vitriolic state we live in, people just aren't accustomed to gratitude.
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:14 p.m.
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fear,
Would you like a law that bans/outrlaws lobbying? Is this what you mean by for sale? Then you have to change the constitution. Not realistic.
Political capital is awarded to the victor-irrespective of whether its a plurality of the vote or 50.1% (Clinton won his 1st term with a plurality of the vote-in other words more voted against him than for him). To the victor go the spoils. There is no message to send when you lose-you can send the message-but the winner does not have to listen (see Obama and healthcare-he won, had a majority of Dem senators-and he passed obamacare). Scott Walker ran on a specific platform of change-and it threatened the status quo-I completely concede that this is threatening to many; but the bottom-line is that more wisconsinites agree with Walker than disagree-if they didn't he would not have won the first time. To say that half of the state didn't have any idea what walker would try to do is simply false-he ran on a specific platform-48% of the voters did not want him-52% like the idea---democracy at work.
Who knows Walker may lose and if he loses-Barrett will require a majority of dems re-write legislation already passed by Walker. But this is were the rubber meets the road-Barrett has conceded the point that he has no idea how he would have balanced the budget differently than Walker-this should concern every tax payer.
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:12 p.m.
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Well as you can tell I am NOT a Walk this way supporter!
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:10 p.m.
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10 years ago sax I would have been the boxer, the instigator, the bully. That of course was when I was a republican. Now that I am a liberal hippie I am all about peace , and love man! That and I have 3 kids to set an example for. How old are you? 20?
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:10 p.m.
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Bhahaha Poobah I am sorry!! Miss wrote that one!!
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:09 p.m.
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How far is Alaska from Russia?
The answer is 2 and a half miles!
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_far_is_Ala...
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:08 p.m.
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LOL poobah a Walker supporter!! I think poobah just threw up in mouth.
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:06 p.m.
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whatever536 said, "Poobah I voted for Barrett today also! I don't really care what you have to say about that! You Walker backers should be used to that way of thinking; as he really doesn't care what other's have to say about his way."
whatever536, if you think I am a Walker supporter or that I was being disingenuous in thanking Stubby and amyd for their votes for Barrett, you are sadly mistaken.
Jun 5, 2012 at 3:01 p.m.
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saxcat70, I hope you are not blogging on company time? One would assume that you get off at 5pm. The republican way; do what I say not what i do!
Jun 5, 2012 at 2:58 p.m.
Jun 5, 2012 at 2:52 p.m.
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Hehe- the Walker Love Child is BS story. First off hard time believing that guy could score period, kind of reminds me of the kid who gets beat up at school. Second, really? A love child story? Funny twist, but not buying it.
Jun 5, 2012 at 2:47 p.m.
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TCB not everything Walker has done has been horrible! I agree with some of the Act 10 changes, for instance not allowing for collective bargaining for insurance. That has been a mess, especially in the school districts. WEAC'S insurance was way over priced when compared to competition insurance. I DISAGREE with getting rid of most of the bargaining rights. As far as schools, just wait the damage hasn't been done yet. The damage will show up years from now with all of the under funding from the State and who do you think will have to make up the shortcomings later??? You and I is the answer. This was a temporary solution, balance the budget on the backs of all State Employees/Teachers etc and then what??????? Who is left? I can't wait to hear all the Walker answers. It is so scripted! The answer is simple. I disagree with Walker, recall was the answer. I support the recall. If Barrett wins, go ahead and start your own recall a year from now, who care as I don't!
Jun 5, 2012 at 2:44 p.m.
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Yada. Spare us the links to the Lunatic Fringe sites. Take a break from the computer, and survey the sky for incoming Blackhawk Helicopters or a looming alien invasion.
REJOICE WALKER
Jun 5, 2012 at 2:42 p.m.
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""
....I'd love to hear what you think it is-more importantly what are the solutions, specifically that will make the state great again....
""
Honestly TCB I would like the For Sale sign to come down off the Government, ON BOTH SIDES!!! That would be a great start. I keep hearing Walker talk about taking on special interests , what about the ones who fill his pockets? I like some do not beliueve that Wisconsin will go into some kind of economic boom once the election is over. I believe that tough days are ahead. Who wins this election today wont make a difference one way or another. The message I want sent to Walker or any other politician who wants to rule like a king is , if you win with 52% of the vote dont act like you got 75%, because very near half of the state voted against him when they didnt know what he was going to do.
People hate the recall, but at least its something we can all do together for a change......VOTE
Jun 5, 2012 at 2:39 p.m.
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FEDUPTAXPAYER...Like anyone listens to you. You are so dumb Fed - We all have heard that you were hit by a parked car last week. It must have been going too fast for you.
Try not to let your mind wander FED. - it's too small to be out by itself.
Jun 5, 2012 at 2:34 p.m.
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whatever,
If the good people of wisconsin freely chose to elect scott walker-then what? Why must you castigate anyone that disagrees with you as someone who hates public employees? When asked Barrett himself could not point to a single school district that harmed by Act 10-not a single one...
You wrote- "cuts need to be made" (what cuts?) do you think those who are threatened by change sat idly by while the changes were made? Heck no-there is a recall election specifically because those who prefer the status don't like the changes! This is the democratic process at work-you may not like the outcome-of the recall vote-but regardless the sun will rise tomorrow-there is no civil war, people are not dying in the streets.
Jun 5, 2012 at 2:27 p.m.
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Your welcome Poobah! I chose to exercise my right to vote, something you probably wouldn't understand.
Jun 5, 2012 at 2:26 p.m.
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Mouse, funny how you post about conservatives liking a supposed criminal Governor. I seem to remember back in the 90's liberals support of a treasonous,lying, criminal president...thinking he was the greatest thing next to the messiah. I'm pretty sure you all voted for him. Sadly (I'm almost ashamed to admit it) I would rather have him in charge of our country the are soon to be ousted Obumma
Jun 5, 2012 at 2:19 p.m.
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Mouse, maybe he take a few others to Russia with him!! JMO LMAO
Jun 5, 2012 at 2:17 p.m.
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Poobah I voted for Barrett today also! I don't really care what you have to say about that! You Walker backers should be used to that way of thinking; as he really doesn't care what other's have to say about his way. Good for you Amyd and Stubby!! I am ashamed with the way Scooter and the boys have behaved; cuts needed to be made but good lord to cause a civil war was just pure insanity. I really don't care what Barrett does. He can sit in his chair all day long and do nothing. Maybe he can dump more crap into Lake Michigan and hopefully Walker can go there and swim in it!!!! So for all Walker lovers keep loving him and me I will keep disliking him and all of his mindless public employee haters.
Jun 5, 2012 at 1:25 p.m.
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Yada,
If this story were true and Walker a democrat-wouldnt this enhance his appeal?
Jun 5, 2012 at 1:24 p.m.
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Da da da da da da , Go Pack GO!!
http://www.politico.com/blogs/click/2012...
Time for you Walker backers to become Bear fans. Honestly all you people do is cheerlead anyways. Buy the rhetoric and move forward.(sound familiar?)
Jun 5, 2012 at 1:19 p.m.
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Stubby and amyd, thanks for having the best interests of Wisconsin in mind when voting for Barrett.
Jun 5, 2012 at 1:09 p.m.
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Read and see the REAL Walker.
http://wcmcoop.com/members/integrity-the...
Jun 5, 2012 at 1:08 p.m.
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WALKER has zero integrity and he knows it. ****A story all MUST READ*** About his PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND at MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY AND...You will be amazed as others are as they read this story - - it is hitting the news quickly now.
http://wcmcoop.com/members/integrity-the...
Jun 5, 2012 at 12:52 p.m.
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How To But An Election - The Scott Walker Way
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/...
Jun 5, 2012 at 12:47 p.m.
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amyd,
what has the state become? It is following in the footsteps of Indiana and Ohio....I'd love to hear what you think it is-more importantly what are the solutions, specifically that will make the state great again....
Jun 5, 2012 at 12:43 p.m.
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I am with stubby! I am by no means a Democrat but today I voted with them. I cannot believe that Walker turned our State into what it has become.
Jun 5, 2012 at 12:37 p.m.
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Youk,
While racism certainly exists and janesville will always wear a black eye with the pathetic displays of racism over the past decades. Its only the left which feels the need to emphasize how racism still defines America. How pathetic. When your guy is losing its due to racism? Obama, not bill clinton is the pillar of the white, liberal establishment.
Obamas own campaign is based on the premise that America is no longer racist-although Obama himself doesn't recognize it-as he wrote about his pretend girlfriend who wishes she were black. The irony is that liberals demand that people of color be treated as equals but its liberals themselves who say that people of color need preferential treatment! Who are the racists?
Youk, if you truly want a party that stands for color blindness and equal opportunity you should consider voting republican.
Jun 5, 2012 at 11:22 a.m.
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f'edup sounds right out of the year 1859. "Union goons" divided states and taxes. It's the rise of the Confederacy against the union north ever since a black man won the White House. They want to crush the people and the party who put Barack Obama in office. And, he thinks he's going forward.
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:56 a.m.
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Fedup and the rest - there is a big difference between "conservative" and just plain stingy and mean. I am a conservative who voted for Barrett...and I know many of my ilk who are joining me today!
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:55 a.m.
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I heard Barrett wants to bring all the stakeholders together to fix our problems. It'll be messy and difficult. I heard Walker wants to divide all the stakeholders and pit them against each other to fix our problems. It'll be quick and easy I'm sure.
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:54 a.m.
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You snooze, you lose
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:45 a.m.
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.....Just so I have this right, my two options for governor when I vote today:
[] Crook Man
[] No Plan Man
.
Oh my, which do I pick??
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:43 a.m.
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Gary funny his current website lists none of it...
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:39 a.m.
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Those voting for Scott Walker today should know that he thought about planting troublemakers among peaceful Wisconsinites last year.
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:29 a.m.
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I agree with the Winston Churchill statement but would add this: If by the time you are 60 you are not totally fed up with the far left liberals and far right conservatives, you are not paying attention to what is happening in this country. I long for a return to the days when both parties at least attempted to rule from the middle. Now moderate Republicans or more conservative Democrats can not even win their own primaries so that we have a choice for a moderate in the fall elections. Sad. IMO. As I have stated before ... I hope the voters in November of 2010 are not disenfranchised by this Rule by Recall. I would be glad to see Walker resign and have to turn over the governorship to the lt. governor. However, I do not support the recall efforts against him, the lt governor, and the Republican senators. Did not support the recall efforts last year against both the Republican and Democratic senators. Regardless of outcome today, I see the recall efforts continuing in this ugly spiral downward. If Walker wins, the Democrats will continue trying to recall Republican senators. If Barrett wins, the Rebublicans would be as justified in trying to recall him and Democratic senators. That is what this abuse of the recall procedure, although legal, has caused. The normal election allows you to change the governor every 4 years. If you are really upset with the governor, it allows you to change the make up of the senate and assembly every 2 years to cut the legs out from under the governor. I believe the constitution requires admendment. IMHO
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:28 a.m.
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RAF, Barrett talked about all of that in the debates.
You must have been asleep or taking a bathroom break.
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:15 a.m.
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Those voting for Barrett today should understand his plans, seeing he choose not to make it public.
http://watchdog.org/19424/barrett-calls-...
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:03 a.m.
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Who is they?? The 'they' that I know don't say that, at all. Which one are you??
Jun 5, 2012 at 10:01 a.m.
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bye-bye Scooter! Either by the ballot, or by the way of prison, you are not going to be around for long! Justice will prevail.
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:54 a.m.
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Mouse,
define wealthy? How do I get money from Walker-since you claim that walker gives money to the wealthy...
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:48 a.m.
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Wish we could just recall all the wasted millions of dollars spent on this farce election and put that cash toward something useful or productive.
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:32 a.m.
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TCB: Interesting article, it states felons who are in prison come from minorities and are poor. They vote Democratic because generally democrats have poor and minority groups best interest at heart. This makes complete sense, and because we live in the most depressed county in WI you would think people would understand that!
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:23 a.m.
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tthompson:
;-)
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:21 a.m.
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walker walker walker - only WI governor 2 HAVE a CRIMINAL DEFENSE FUND in FBI JOHN DOE PROBE.
http://my.firedoglake.com/phoenix/2012/0...
iF HE WINS...He will be CHARGED IN WALKERGATE.
http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?opti...
The LIES continue...Walker is NOT cooperating with John Doe probe.
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/06...
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:16 a.m.
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No need for recount walker will not get many votes
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:13 a.m.
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Jqpublic,
Most felons are democrats as well what are your conclusion from this?
http://as.nyu.edu/docs/IO/3858/Democrati...
Jun 5, 2012 at 9:03 a.m.
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If Democratic voters are un-intelligent then why do more educated people vote Democratic?
http://progressivepolicy.org/more-colleg...
Jun 5, 2012 at 8:56 a.m.
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So anyone who votes for Barrett is 'un-intelligent' according to Feduptaxpayer?? If that is correct, one would read a fraction of his posts and assume that he too voted for Barrett.
Jun 5, 2012 at 8:51 a.m.
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
************************************************************************
MOVING THE GREAT STATE OF WISCONSIN "FORWARD"
****************************************************************
FINALLY; FORWARD ------->
*********************************************************
PLEASE, PLEASE; LET'S NOT GO BACKWARDS, WISCONSIN WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BARRETT!!
Jun 5, 2012 at 8:42 a.m.
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I voted today! I voted for the Kochs, I voted for the anti-socialist, I voted for big investors, I voted for the anti-union, I voted for the anti-tantrum, I voted anti-Looneyville, I voted for the anti-slime, I voted against communism, I voted for truth, justice and the American way. I voted for super people, I voted for Walker/Kleefish.
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