Dems shift tactics, pound Wis. governor on probe
Podcast Episode
The Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor makes a campaign stop in Janesville. WCLO's Jon Meerdink reports.
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Photo
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce in this April 17, 2012 file photo taken in Springfield, Ill. Lost in the hoopla over the effort to recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker after he took on union rights is an ongoing secret investigation that has already ensnared a handful of the Republican governor's former aides. Democrats have started playing up questions about why Walker created a criminal defense fund for himself and whether the governor might face charges next.
MADISON — Lost in the hoopla over the effort to recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker after he took on union rights is an ongoing secret investigation that has already ensnared a handful of the Republican governor's former aides.
The investigation by Milwaukee County's district attorney hasn't resonated with voters, but with the June 5 recall less than three weeks away Democrats have started playing up questions about why Walker created a criminal defense fund for himself and whether the governor might face charges next.
Walker has branded the strategy a "cheap political stunt," but Democrats are banking that the tactic will help them curry favor with the dwindling pool of undecided voters who could turn the election.
"The public deserves some answers as they try to decide who to vote for," said Jeremy Levinson, an attorney for the state Democratic Party. "He just needs to explain what's going on. It's that simple."
Republicans say Democrats are grasping for an edge as polls show Walker pulling ahead of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. The most recent Marquette University Law School poll, released Wednesday, showed Walker leading by 6 percentage points after the race was essentially a dead heat a month ago.
"When you're down or your message isn't playing the way you want it to in a tight race, you've got to find something else," said Brandon Scholz, a Madison lobbyist who has worked on a number of GOP congressional races across the country. "You've got to change that message and find something that sticks."
The push to recall Walker began last year after he championed a contentious law stripping most public sector workers of nearly all their collective bargaining rights. Democrats called it an all-out attack on organized labor, but Barrett's easy primary victory over an opponent backed by most of the state's major unions signaled the momentum for the collective bargaining argument may have started to fade.
Barrett moved on to beating up Walker over his inability to create jobs, harping on a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report that found Wisconsin lost the most jobs of any state between March 2011 and March 2012.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm has been quietly investigating Walker's associates during the governor's tenure as Milwaukee County executive. Chisholm, a Democrat, has set the probe up as a so-called John Doe proceeding, meaning his prosecutors can subpoena witnesses and compel them to testify while barring them from speaking publicly about the case. Five people have been charged so far on allegations ranging from embezzling money from a veterans trust fund to campaigning on county time.
Walker has insisted he's not a target, saying he learned honesty as an Eagle Scout and his county office even alerted Chisholm to the embezzlement.
Nobody has given any indication when the investigation might end or who else it might ensnare. Walker's state spokesman, Cullen Werwie, has testified in exchange for immunity that the governor disclosed he had created a legal defense fund using campaign contributions. Wisconsin law allows officeholders to create such funds only if they or their agents are being investigated or have been charged with campaign or election violations.
Walker has said he formed the fund to cover "expenses incurred in cooperating with the inquiry," but he hasn't elaborated on the probe.
Barrett, who has been jabbing the governor on the investigation for weeks, said Wednesday that Walker needs to clear the air because "when people realize what's going on, they're troubled by it."
Still, the issue hasn't seemed to have gripped voters. Marquette polls conducted since February have consistently shown most people either regard the investigation as politics as usual or don't know enough about it to form an opinion about whether it's truly serious.
"Either he's being investigated or he expects to be charged," said Sachin Chheda, who chairs the Milwaukee Democratic Party. "What kind of position would the state be in if we don't know the facts, there's an election and there's an indictment after the election?"
Dick Frasser, a 74-year-old retired fire inspector from Watertown, said he plans to vote for the governor in the recall, despite the investigation.
"It's typical politics," Frasser said. "Ethically and morally, I suppose he does (need to explain his part in the probe). But they should do this after the election. Prior to it, they're digging up all the dirt they can."
The liberal attack group Greater Wisconsin Committee launched a television ad last week questioning how Walker didn't know what his county employees were doing, and Barrett sent Walker a letter Tuesday demanding he disclose any advice state election officials may have given him that led to him forming his defense fund.
Walker campaign manager Ciara Matthews said in a statement that Barrett is resorting to political stunts to deflect voters' attention from high unemployment in Milwaukee and his refusal to explain how he would manage the state budget. She didn't address the investigation itself.
Asked Wednesday whether the governor was under investigation, Matthews responded by pointing to remarks Walker has made to the media since January saying people are twisting things, he's not the target of the investigation and he agreed to meet with Chisholm to discuss the investigation.
Scholz, the former Republican operative, said Walker has nothing to gain by responding directly to Barrett. Democrats have run out of issues and are merely trying to put Walker's camp on defense, he said.
"When you're down or your message isn't playing the way you want it to in a tight race, you've got to find something else," Scholz said. "You've got to scratch for an issue. A John Doe is sexy. They'll just throw it out there. If they can force the other side to lose a half-day, that's what they'll do."
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Associated Press writer Scott Bauer in Madison contributed to this report.
May 21, 2012 at 5:18 a.m.
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Mouse between your consumption of the products from criminal chris, daily kos, huff post, and msnbc it is becoming very clear why you have little understanding of reality.
May 20, 2012 at 5:42 a.m.
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"I mean for real, not a joke, like he really has an IQ of like, 80 or something."
This is classic! Constructing a sentence in this way to criticize another for having a low IQ? Seriously?
I mean for real, not a joke, like you should really look in mirror, and like, think about that saying about, like people in glass houses, like, not throwing stones. For real..........:)
May 20, 2012 at 5:05 a.m.
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"Am I the only one who thinks that Scott Walker might really be just a bit mentally challenged? I mean for real, not a joke, like he really has an IQ of like, 80 or something."-gotoschool@9:32pm
If I had to guess, I would guess his IQ at 90-95. Definitely below the average for his demographic. I don't see any shining brightness there at all. This helps explain why he has to lie and cheat his way through life. It is too difficult for him to do otherwise, it would be too much work and he "thinks" no one will notice. He makes a good puppet for the billionaires.
May 19, 2012 at 9:32 p.m.
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Am I the only one who thinks that Scott Walker might really be just a bit mentally challenged? I mean for real, not a joke, like he really has an IQ of like, 80 or something.
May 19, 2012 at 9:05 p.m.
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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel endorses.... Walker.
May 19, 2012 at 9:57 a.m.
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Walker claims he is against government waste and paying for state employees that need to stand on their own two feet: HOWEVER, he has denied requests from administrators in ALL state offices that want to terminate employees who are not meeting expectations. No terminations will be "allowed" until after June 5. He is THAT worried about the lack of new jobs that he will support keeping a few slackers on the state payroll. Kind of makes you scratch your head a little bit, doesn't it?
May 19, 2012 at 9:48 a.m.
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RetiredAirForce, to use a baseball analogy to describe your attempt to link statute 11.64 (Defense fund authorized) to rumors about a secret John Doe proceeding; you're standing deep in left field, looking up into the sun for a fly ball when the last batter of the inning just struck out and your teammates had started heading for the dugout thirty seconds ago.
May 19, 2012 at 8:17 a.m.
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Walker passing laws about a womens right to get birth control covered on ins is another law I worry about.
Who do you think pays for this?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/18...
Tax payers that's who.
May 19, 2012 at 3:24 a.m.
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Funny, the witless left fringe is worried about some laws and not others. They are obsessed with laws around a defense fund but are ignorant and dismissive about the meaning of a secret john doe investigation; typical hypocrisy.
"Subject to s. 971.23, if the proceeding is secret, the record of the proceeding and the testimony taken shall not be open to inspection by anyone except the district attorney unless it is used by the prosecution at the preliminary hearing or the trial of the accused and then only to the extent that it is so used."
Yet the abundance of rumors from a "secret" investigation is not a problem for the same fringe focused on the law over a defense fund.
May 18, 2012 at 11:04 p.m.
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poorrichard, by state statutes, use of contributions is prohibited for any purposes other than political unless specifically authorized by law. One such authorization is a defense fund under statute 11.64. The defense fund is only authorized in cases where the public official is being investigated, charged with or convicted of offenses under chapters 11 and 12 of the statutes. Chapter 11 deals with Campaign Financing, Chapter 12 deals with Prohibited Election Practices.
Unless Walker understood he was being investigated, charged or convicted of a crime under chapter 11 or 12, he could not establish a defense fund.
11.64 Defense fund authorized.
11.64(1)
(1) Any candidate or public official who is being investigated for, charged with or convicted of a criminal violation of this chapter or ch. 12, or whose agent is so investigated, charged or convicted, may establish a defense fund for expenditures supporting or defending the candidate or agent, or any dependent of the candidate or agent, while that person is being investigated for, or while the person is charged with or convicted of a criminal violation of this chapter or ch. 12.
May 18, 2012 at 10:13 p.m.
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Typical libs-If you're a Republican you're guilty until proven innocent-if you're a Democrat, well you can get away with anything if you whine and lie long enough.
And why is it illegal to have a defense fund?
How naive are you to think the FBI doesn't investigate innocent people-why have an investigation if you're already guilty. Who's running the FBI? Eric holder one the biggest fool and liar we have in Washington. And by the way, my love letters will be sent to Madison for at least the next six years wiggleworm.
May 18, 2012 at 9:37 p.m.
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poorpoorrichard we aren't whinning just pointing out the fact it is illegal to have a defense fund UNLESS you are being investigated.
The FBI does not waste time investigating innocent people. Walker is getting investigated for corruption so he NEEDS a defence fund and it was approved because he IS being investigated. He's corrupt and he will get a room next to Blago but don't worry you can still send him love letters when he's in prison.
May 18, 2012 at 4:02 p.m.
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To all you whinning about Walkers defense fund-If you knew the truth why he has, and he's said why many times, you still wouldn't believe it so why are you continually bringing it up?
May 18, 2012 at 3:13 p.m.
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pharm - loved the link. Can someone tell me why walker always has that 'not in reality' look in his eyes? Or is it the "oh ----, It keeps getting deeper I may go down" look?
May 18, 2012 at 2:41 p.m.
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http://www.propublica.org/article/politi...
Interesting news about Walker contributions.
May 18, 2012 at 1:25 p.m.
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Eagle I see your having a really hard time understanding corruption here's another link for Blago maybe this will please you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Blagoje...
It's a funny thing about corrupt politicians, they usually do MORE than one crime, Blago had 17 crimes against him not JUST the selling of Obama's seat. Open your mind! Let the truth in!
May 18, 2012 at 1:19 p.m.
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Also Kay honey- I reread all our posts and I don't see one where I didn't 'blow you out of the water' and all you had in responce is I spelled a word wrong, Keep trying sweetheart, someday you'll grow up!
May 18, 2012 at 1:16 p.m.
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Oh Kay sweetheart I can and do run circles around you, I call you lovey names so you won't feel so bad as I blow your behind outta the water honey bun. I also use lovey names when I speack to children.
I'm still waiting for the address to your daycare darling, Remember you 'called me out' and I accepted.
May 18, 2012 at 11:04 a.m.
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I know wigglemouse, you bring a smile to my face just knowing you can't hangle the argument with honey, sweetie, etc. It just tells me you've failed and are resorting to babytalk.
May 18, 2012 at 11:03 a.m.
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John Doe investigation prohibits those involved speaking publicly about the case and people want walker to speak up when he . Have people commenting even read the article?
May 18, 2012 at 10:15 a.m.
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http://fox6now.com/2012/05/14/tom-barret...
Whitewaterlake, She wasn't campaigning for recall, she was sending political emails from her work email which is a violation of work rules, not a crime.
May 18, 2012 at 9:23 a.m.
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If government is purged of all corrupt politicians there will be no one left and no one to run.
May 18, 2012 at 9:15 a.m.
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I did google it and it confirmed what I had in my memory. Perhaps if you stayed away from hack sites like Politico, the fox news of the left, you might get the right info.
May 18, 2012 at 8:44 a.m.
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eagle1 - since you can't figure out how to google for yourself here
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/061...
May 18, 2012 at 7:39 a.m.
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wiggle, what put Blago behind bars? it was the attempted selling of Obama's seat in December 2008, so that is only months if he was indicted in spring 2009. So were the investigators just fishing long enough until they found something?
May 18, 2012 at 7:01 a.m.
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Walker, Walker, Walker, Walker!!!
************************************************************************
MOVING THE GREAT STATE OF WISCONSIN "FORWARD"
****************************************************************
FINALLY; FORWARD ------->
*********************************************************
May 17, 2012 at 11:47 p.m.
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Maiden, these are all companies that have put up money to improve your ability to find a job.
May 17, 2012 at 8:25 p.m.
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and Kay sweetie don't get a big head now honey, I call MANY on here honey, sweetie, sweetheart etc. It's not just reserved for you sweetiepie, and it's only cuz I get tired of pointing out your ignorance and can't call you a female dog.
May 17, 2012 at 8:19 p.m.
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Blago the politician was under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation since 2005 for corruption. Blago was indicted on corruption charges in April 2009.
So ya see repub babies it could take years to gather ALL that is needed to put walker behind bars where he belongs. Don't worry my 'walker goes to jail' party will happen, in due time. The FBI doesn't rush just to please you baby repubs crying about how since he hasn't been arrested yet means he's innocent or not John Doe.
May 17, 2012 at 8:08 p.m.
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Well kay your investigation is a bust just like your idea walker is not John Doe. I am not anyone other than myself on these blogs. WOW maybe a misspelling of defense is common like the misspelling of sense, many on here spell it sence but no one is accusing everyone who spells sense as sence as being one person. And if misspelling is all you have I feel real bad for ya babe!!!
May 17, 2012 at 6:58 p.m.
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Not only does mouse and wiggle spell the same words incorrectly, but when I start to get under their (her) skin, she calls me honey. By the way, so does Good American which I've already exposed that one. No investigation needed for this double triple poster.
May 17, 2012 at 6:48 p.m.
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walker is a liar and a crook, seems pretty obvious after all the videos and arrest around him.
May 17, 2012 at 6:13 p.m.
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"The public deserves some answers as they try to decide who to vote for," Why has the Democrat Chisholm dogged Walker for 2 years with little to show for it. Why is Barrett's wife campaigning for recall using public resources. Why doesn't Barrett have a plan for what he would do in Wisconsin if elected. How would Barrett keep the state financially solvent and bring more employers in?
May 17, 2012 at 4:47 p.m.
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If the man is under criminal investigation like it sounds i hope all information is released before the election.....Wisconsin will look like we have a bunch of dumbass people if we re-elect him and he's arrested and or charged with these major ethics/criminal violations!
May 17, 2012 at 4:20 p.m.
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Settle down newbilly, nobody wants to repeal innocent until proven guilty. But I recall when Jim Doyle received a couple tickets to a Packers game, the GOP practically set up a gallows in the Capital retunda. It's only natural for constituents to know the truth why their governor needs a legal defense fund. It's our right to know. Or did you take that away too.
May 17, 2012 at 3:41 p.m.
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mouse, why do you and wiggle spell defense incorrectly?
May 17, 2012 at 3:14 p.m.
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If Governor Stupid has nothing to hide then come out and tell us why he needs to have the fund set up and where the money came from.
May 17, 2012 at 3:02 p.m.
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I agree, if they had anything at all. The smallest of things would be leaked. Instead, it's connections and accusations of a desperate party.
May 17, 2012 at 3 p.m.
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What, do the Democrats want to repeal innocent until proven guilty now? No, no they wouldn't want to do that, at least not for everybody, just for Republicans. And if a Democratic D.A., through some flack in his office by way of a drinking buddy at an after work bar who knows a reporter or two lets slip John Doe info that will hurt Walker's campaign that is by law supposed to be confidential, well that's OK too. No harm done, except to someone who deserves it like our Governor, eh Democrats? The ends justify the means, isn't that so Democrats?
With the Democrats embracing tactics such as these, are we sure we can trust them with the power of our Government in their rather ruthless hands?
May 17, 2012 at 2:57 p.m.
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916WI said, "If you have the means......I would absolutely have an attorney do the talking for me."
With only $25 million, it's going to seriously crimp Scooter's style choosing to spend money on lawyers. Poor guy.
May 17, 2012 at 2:40 p.m.
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That's funny Garyprimer. Weren't you one of those complaining about Republican tactics after the Walker-Hendricks video came out?
May 17, 2012 at 2:16 p.m.
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I agree, I think the Democrats are caught in their own web of lies, hyprocrisy, and ideology in all of this. No wonder they wanted to hang the Voter I.D. law up in court for the recall.
They haven't moved the needle of opinion and we should be sending them our 17 million dollar recall bill.
May 17, 2012 at 2:07 p.m.
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If Walker was asked to turn over files, isn't that an investigation?
May 17, 2012 at 2:07 p.m.
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Wigs...If you have the means......I would absolutely have an attorney do the talking for me. Who knows how it played out with those that are accused and what deals were offered in exchange for cooperation. It would be stupid not to involve an attorney when entering that arena.......Why the FBI is handing out immunity to everyone involved? I don't know-- Maybe they have to come up with some sort of justification for the two year investigation that has got them little or nothing.......
May 17, 2012 at 2:06 p.m.
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Thank you wiggle. If Walker is not John Doe, how do you know there is an investigation on him?
May 17, 2012 at 1:56 p.m.
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whz_bng - And I invite you to a party I'll be throwing when he goes to prison next to Blago!
But I'll be serving far better food than just cheese!
Blowgirl - I didn't make the law in WI that says it is illegal for a politician to set up a defence fund if not being investigated. You'll have to seach the web for the ones responsible for that law and ask them. As for your statement demos get away with it while repubs go to jail is rubbish! Blago, Edwards are the most recent corrupt demos sent to or going to jail. try a different spin next time!
May 17, 2012 at 1:47 p.m.
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Wiggle, why isn't Gov. Walker allowed to start a fund? If I were being accused of something I didn't do, I'd get all the resources I could together if needed.
Just today the Democrats are now complaining to the GAB that Walker is bragging about the job numbers too soon. He had no business sitting in a chair with one camera to tell us the good news. Oh brother, I see Democrat desperation everywhere.
John Doe just is another slap that Democrats such as Barrett's wife get away with using taxpayer dollars to campaign but Republicans go to jail.
No wonder the motivation is 91% Republican to go out and vote and only 83% for Democrats.
May 17, 2012 at 1:47 p.m.
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Wigglemouse and the rest of you libs...I want to invite you over june 6th to share a little whine at my place.
May 17, 2012 at 1:39 p.m.
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916 - try this -
So if you (walker) found out someone was stealing from the store cash register (WI vets) and you went to the managers (FBI) and told them what you know, you need a lawyer?
Give me I break! Repubs sure are showing stupidity when it comes to walker. Google it people - it is illegal for a politician to set up a defence fund UNLESS he is beinging investigated for crime.
I ask - why are the FBI giving immunity to several people who have committed crimes if they weren't building a solid case against John Doe errrr I mean walker?
May 17, 2012 at 1:14 p.m.
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poobah...I love the clock that shows the guys working putting up the planks of wood. Walkers jobs are fictional though.
May 17, 2012 at 1:13 p.m.
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wigs...Your comment, "So if walker is innocent he doesn't need a defence fund does he" needs explanation. Are you seriously saying that innocent people shouldn't have attorneys representing them in our legal system? Really??
May 17, 2012 at 1:02 p.m.
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I'd like to know the number of jobs lost since walker took office compared to the number of jobs gained? Didn't American Family Insurance just layoff or is about to 187 workers?
May 17, 2012 at 1 p.m.
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LibertyBelle
May 17, 2012 at 12:31 p.m.
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Hey wiggle, welcome to America!
Innocent until proven guilty. That is a nice deflection too. Anything but Tom Barrett's record.
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So if walker is innocent he doesn't need a defence fund does he, Boy liberty your a genius!
And Barrett has a criminal record? Please tell me more!
May 17, 2012 at 12:57 p.m.
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News flash for Kay...3rd world countries that you buy your products from don't have high taxes. Of course they don't have houses, streets, or drinking water either! I vote to send Kay there to enjoy very low taxes!
May 17, 2012 at 12:56 p.m.
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Stubbs.......I agree with you on one thing. There is no doubt that the "impartial" Dane County DA's office will make an issue of this........
http://mediatrackers.org/2012/03/20/excl...
May 17, 2012 at 12:44 p.m.
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!!! NEWS FLASH !!!
Walker has created FIFTEEN new jobs!
[ http://clock.msurma.net ]
May 17, 2012 at 12:42 p.m.
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bebe - Thank you so much for your concern. I am very happy today! I was able to shut up a ignorant women! It makes me very happy to point out how corrupt politicians - who ever they are - need to go bubye! :)
May 17, 2012 at 12:32 p.m.
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@kaysbrew- Regarding your list of Milwaukee County suburbs- I am originally from the Shorewood/Whitefish Bay area and I can assure you those are two suburbs that, for the most part, want Walker out. In fact, of the contacts I still have there, I don't know of one who supports him.
May 17, 2012 at 12:31 p.m.
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Hey wiggle, welcome to America!
Innocent until proven guilty. That is a nice deflection too. Anything but Tom Barrett's record.
May 17, 2012 at 12:30 p.m.
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Another thing Kay honey - If walker asked for the investigation and is innocent, why does he need a defence fund? If he's on the FBIs side he shouldn't need a defence fund because the FBI wouldn't be investigating HIM now would they?
May 17, 2012 at 12:29 p.m.
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MidnightRide, still trying to educate the left. They are mis-informed, the fault of the media. They are un-informed, the fault of themselves.
Hey, how do you make a Democrat angry?..***
****Tell them how happy you are.
May 17, 2012 at 12:29 p.m.
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916 - Walker manipulates the system to release unproven, unverified numbers that benefit him politically. Barret uses numbers that were checked and released as part of a normal process to make his political point. I see a huge difference, and so, I predict, will the Dane County DA.
May 17, 2012 at 12:26 p.m.
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kaysbrew
May 17, 2012 at 12:09 p.m.
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wiggle,
yup, he met with prosecutors that signed recall petitions and handed over thousands of emails. Is he suppose to sit on his thumbs without setting up protection? You must be thinking of John Edwards.
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Again sweetie, a politician CAN NOT set up a defense fund unless he is being investigated. I'm almost possitive he has 'handed over' more than e-mails, funny thing about the FBI, they take whatever they want when they want.
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As for Edwards - I can't stand him, have never liked him. Not to throw it in your face, but how long ago did this Edwards crime happen? So just because the FBI hasn't taken walker down yet doesn't mean he's innocent does it?
May 17, 2012 at 12:24 p.m.
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RetiredAirFoce said, "LincolnTruman I wonder why your posts are so full of fear and rhetoric? Must just be a coincidence..." and "poo_koch."
kaysbrew said, "wigglemouse, well it's a good thing Walker asked for the investigation himself," and "wigglemouse too funny."
Is there a name for the phobia of imagining that people are posting comments under more than one username?
May 17, 2012 at 12:16 p.m.
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Elections now mean nothing. We were told that this recall was about the collective bargaining issue yet when the majority of Wisconsin residents who don't gorge at the public trough couldn't be persuaded that asking public employees to contribute to their own well being was somehow akin to genocide the reason given for a recall went out the window. Then it was jobs then it was the donor list now its a patisan investigation (if there were real justice Barrett's wife and numerous members of public unions would be subjected to the same scrutiny and a level playing field when it came to prosecution and sentencing but don't hold your breath on that one).
The simple fact is that not liking or not agreeing with the decsions someone makes in office is a reason to turn them out of office during the next elecion cylcle (right Russ?) not grounds for a recall. However, the die has been cast and now that the new rules are in place I am sure we will hear no complaining if they are ever used by the other side.
May 17, 2012 at 12:15 p.m.
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Someone pushing your buttons, kay?
;-)
May 17, 2012 at 12:13 p.m.
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BTC Administrator get raises
Native Americans UW enrollment increases
Gratuation rates improve.
All headlines today. Thank you Governor Walker.
May 17, 2012 at 12:10 p.m.
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slave labor? left wing kool aid. Try High Taxes and City fees.
May 17, 2012 at 12:09 p.m.
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wiggle,
yup, he met with prosecutors that signed recall petitions and handed over thousands of emails. Is he suppose to sit on his thumbs without setting up protection? You must be thinking of John Edwards.
May 17, 2012 at 12:07 p.m.
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Kaysbrew said: "oh I see the other Democrat mayors of Milwaukee are to blame instead of Barrett"
Maybe instead of blaming a mayor you should blame big business for moving work to other contries with cheap slave labor. Once again you show us you have selective memory.
May 17, 2012 at 12:06 p.m.
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Stubbs......Your quote, "Nobody should put any weight on those numbers as they are meaningless without verification." I would agree depending on the way in which the data was collected. Would you agree with me in saying that basing any meaningful conclusions about state employment levels by asking only 3 out of every 100 businesses how they're doing is also extremely suspect?
As far as your second paragraph......of course it's political. What isn't at this point in time? Barrett and the democrats are using the negative employment numbers based on extremely weak data to slam Walker in the political realm, but you are chastising Walker for doing the same??
May 17, 2012 at 12:04 p.m.
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916WI, are you or anyone else here aware that those jobs figures you dismiss as stunningly inaccurate have a history of being within an average margin of .3 as coefficient of error while Walker's 'revised' numbers bring that to 2.1? Do you know what that means?
LOL...and take off your clown nose so you can breath in some oxygen. You're too funny.
May 17, 2012 at 12:01 p.m.
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kaysbrew
May 17, 2012 at 11:52 a.m.
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wigglemouse,
well it's a good thing Walker asked for the investigation himself.
- Bahahahahaha just proves what an idiot he is. Setting up a defence fund is restricted for politicians being investigated for a crime and NO other reason. Google it honey, it is illegal to set up such a fund if your NOT being investigated. So is walker quilty of corruption before he was elected or is he quilty of illegaly setting up a defence fund? Pick one, they are both illegal.
What's the address of you daycare? I'm accepting your "calling out". bahahahahaha
May 17, 2012 at 11:56 a.m.
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You liberals are too funny, really. John Doe probe by the FBI....ohhhhh, why is it that liberals seem to know so much then about Walker's quilt. If this was anything serious, the FBI would start investigating all the so called leaks. Get real!
May 17, 2012 at 11:54 a.m.
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Midnight_Ride said, "The investigation WALKER REQUESTED."
Every now and then you hear about the "cat and mouse" type of criminal that behaves in ways suggesting they want to get caught.
May 17, 2012 at 11:52 a.m.
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wigglemouse,
well it's a good thing Walker asked for the investigation himself.
May 17, 2012 at 11:50 a.m.
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woody,
oh I see the other Democrat mayors of Milwaukee are to blame instead of Barrett. Sure, we can go with that, the last Republican was in 1916.
Try again.
May 17, 2012 at 11:49 a.m.
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kaysbrew
May 17, 2012 at 11:27 a.m.
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wigglemouse
too funny. I'll save it and repost it when Walker wins re-election.
Show your cards. I'm calling you out.
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I'm holding my cards untill the headlines read WALKER BUSTED!! -
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Which will come. The FBI makes sure they have enough evidence so the charges can't be thrown out on a technicality. It takes time to go through the legal process of plea deals for those getting immunity, when the FBI has gone through his 'friends' that have been arrested, and there are several to go through yet, they will take him down. No doubt what-so-ever!
If you really want to 'call me out' meet me on the playground of your daycare at recess. What are you 3 years old?
May 17, 2012 at 11:41 a.m.
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kaysbrew would like people to believe Milwaukees manufacturing decline which started in the 80s was all of Barretts fault just like the automobile industry decline which started in 2006 was Obamas fault. Either kaysbrew has selective memory or is just ignorant.
May 17, 2012 at 11:37 a.m.
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Anymore -- the unions, the far left libs, the special interest groups all come off as whinning agitators. They show they are willing to go to any level, use rediculous claims, leagal processes -- in other words, their means is justified by their ends.
What they are essentially doing is turning away any middle of the road or undecided people. The general joe -- wants to just discuss and listen, not be shouted down and denograted because they may have their own perspective, or even dare to challenege a far left position.
In the end -- the left will implode -- when the GOP gets elected, they will turn on each other like rabid dogs, each blaming the other, when they will need a good mirror.
May 17, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.
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The dems doing an about face...now isn't that a big surprise!
May 17, 2012 at 11:27 a.m.
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wigglemouse
too funny. I'll save it and repost it when Walker wins re-election.
Show your cards. I'm calling you out.
May 17, 2012 at 11:26 a.m.
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thayer175
I can't believe you're serious and I should ignore it, but I'll play.
Below are the basic list of cities in Milwaukee County. Barrett is NOT mayor of all these cities. Most vote Republican.
**who was Barrett's running mate for mayor? I don't know, do you?
Bayside (partial)
Brown Deer
Cudahy
Fox Point
Franklin
Glendale
Greendale
Greenfield
Hales Corners
Milwaukee (partial)**
Oak Creek
River Hills
Shorewood
South Milwaukee **
St. Francis
Wauwatosa
West Allis
West Milwaukee **
Whitefish Bay
Maybe the city of Milwaukee would have liked to have seen Walker ads of just how bad his city is under his leadership before he was just re-elected mayor. It's easy to get re-elected running basically unopposed.
May 17, 2012 at 11:20 a.m.
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916 - I did not say the numbers haven't been manipulated. In fact the point is that we can't prove anything about these numbers because they haven't completed the vetting process. So they are not "more accurate", nor are they "reliable" based on a larger sample. In fact, from my meager understanding, they aren't even measuring the same thing as the previously released numbers. Releasing them at this time serves no practical purpose that is not political in nature. I can generate some numbers and release them at any time - but without verification nobody would pay attention, nor should they. That is what Walker is doing. Nobody should put any weight on those numbers as they are meaningless without verification.
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Further evidence of the purely political nature of the release - how did the Walker Campaign already have ads produced and inserted into programming less than an hour after release? Simple - they crafted the release for political gain and used a government agency to do so. That would appear to be a clear violation of campaign laws.
May 17, 2012 at 11:19 a.m.
May 17, 2012 at 11:15 a.m.
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Youkillme.......counter the seemingly grossly inaccurate figures which are based on polling only 3 out of 100 businesses--you know, the same figures that Barrett and the democrats have been politically slamming Walker on.
LOL about the verification of figures too!
You take figures that are based on only 3.5% of a population, which conveniently support your candidates position, as gospel. With the next breath you take a much more comprehensive set of figures and claim that they should be dismissed because they haven't been vetted.......too funny:)
May 17, 2012 at 11:03 a.m.
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916WI writes -- "Regardless, this more comprehensive set of figures was needed to counter the figures derived from only..."
Counter? For what purposes? For a political campaign?
916WI writes again -- "If these numbers are accurate, do you think it is right to have the population misled by the first set of figures ..."
That's a very big "IF" knowing these new figures cannot be verified until after the election, and if you're worried about being misled, look no further than Scott Walker.
May 17, 2012 at 10:52 a.m.
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kaysbrew...if Barrett was so bad for Milwaukee, then how come he has been re-elected 3 times. I also noticed that some of those old newscasts are just that...old from just after Barrett was first elected Mayor. And don't forget, all during this time Walker was Milwaukee County Executive. Hmmmmm.
May 17, 2012 at 10:43 a.m.
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Stubbs......Got it. So the numbers themselves haven't been manipulated they just haven't been vetted. Regardless, this more comprehensive set of figures was needed to counter the figures derived from only 3.5 % of the employers--Do you not agree?
If these numbers are accurate, do you think it is right to have the population misled by the first set of figures, which--because of the small sample size--seem to be extremely off, especially when this has been made such a issue of by both parties?
I think the state's citizens need to have this information......don't you?
May 17, 2012 at 10:32 a.m.
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That pesky thing called the truth, always getting in a liberal's way.
May 17, 2012 at 10:29 a.m.
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yada, nice try. from your own false fact
"We crunched the numbers and he’s right by that method of accounting: More than eight in 10 districts surveyed showed no net loss of staff, and most had gains."
Polifact is counting in retired employee by choice not by lack of funding.
Again, nice try.
May 17, 2012 at 10:26 a.m.
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That's not where the sock goes.
RHCP.
;-)
May 17, 2012 at 10:26 a.m.
May 17, 2012 at 10:25 a.m.
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I, myself, can't wait to see Illinois job numbers. Tax and spend liberalism does not work.
May 17, 2012 at 10:24 a.m.
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Here is ANOTHER FALSE CLAIM on SCHOOLS by Walker...
The false claims go on and on...
http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/stat...
May 17, 2012 at 10:23 a.m.
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yada,
it only takes one person with 1/2 a brain to know that the original numbers can be "cooked" at only 3% of businesses asked about work force, but when they have to report in full detail to the Dept of labor. I imagine that is truth be told.
I know, the truth hurts. I'm watching before my very eyes your balloons deflating.
May 17, 2012 at 10:20 a.m.
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Here is an idea. Let’s use economic sanctions to bring both sides together.
Stop any and all public services for an undetermined time, no police, firefighters, garbage pickup, public schools, etc.
Drastic yes, effective yes, and since the little brats on both sides cannot work together then it’s time to put a stick in the hornets’ nest. Obviously I’m joking but I think you get the point. It’s a matter of time when everything will essentially break down if government doesn’t work together.
May 17, 2012 at 10:19 a.m.
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According to a detailed and very accurate report in the Milwaukee Journal sentinel on the new Walker fabricated data -->the numbers are "from a monthly survey of SELECTED businesses that is LESS ACCURATE and more VOLATILE" - kind of like the information from KAYSBREW....lol.
May 17, 2012 at 10:19 a.m.
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I say Walker demand a letter from Barrett why he has allowed the city of Milwaukee to fall in such a state of ruin that it's ranked in the top 10 of worst cities.
May 17, 2012 at 10:13 a.m.
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916 - the numbers can't be proven accurate or inaccurate because they haven't been vetted yet. That process is not complete until June 28. The potential crime here is the Governor using elected office to manipulate the premature release for political gain. That is, in essence, using state workers and their time for campaign purposes. Therein lies the possible violation of campaign law. (Something that would, from the John Doe, appear to be common practice in the Walker camp).
May 17, 2012 at 10:12 a.m.
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GP , facts are facts. What can I say? Liberals like to live in the "bubble" of lies and half truths. They like to make sure their sock puppets are firmly secured to their hands.
May 17, 2012 at 10:02 a.m.
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Dems shift tactics? That's funny. Scott Walker has dozens of egregious issues and addressing each and every one is not a change in tactics. It's his rap sheet.
May 17, 2012 at 10:01 a.m.
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Kaysbrew,
nothing can penetrate that bubble.
May 17, 2012 at 10 a.m.
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So if Walker wins will the two sides play nice again? If Barrett wins will the Republicans try and force another recall in a year? Just get over it already both sides and move on for the good of Wisconsin.
May 17, 2012 at 9:45 a.m.
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woody,
You've got nothing. And come June 6th, you'll still have nothing.
May 17, 2012 at 9:43 a.m.
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Hey Thanks Mouse, I linked your left spin Huffington post to Bloomberg to AP. Which lead me to real news. Here's what it said.
Those new figures are based on actual job counts reported by 160,000 Wisconsin employers as required by law as part of their tax and unemployment insurance reports.
The numbers that had previously been reported monthly and used by Walker and everyone else as a gauge of how well he was meeting his job-creation promise came from the Current Employment Survey, which surveys about 5,500 employers, or 3.5 percent of Wisconsin businesses.
Only 3.5 percent (5,500) then, versus 160,000 now to report to the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT which I've said from the beginning.
May 17, 2012 at 9:41 a.m.
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kaysbrew says:"Defense fund, John Doe. Show us what you've got! I want to see it."
Maybe you should call the feds instead of asking the dems these stupid questions because the feds are the ones investigating the Walker gang.
May 17, 2012 at 9:34 a.m.
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sweetsand7, you are using the survey numbers
Now we have REAL numbers that actually get reported to the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
Chief Executive Magazine in a survey of more than 500 CEOs put Wisconsin 24th best for business, up from 41st in the 2010 rankings.
The full article is available here.
"I am glad that our Open for Business message is resonating," said Walker in a statement Friday. "From our special session to the budget, we are focused on helping our economy grow and letting the world know that Wisconsin welcomes job creators. Despite our progress, we still have a lot of work ahead of us to make sure our state's private sector can create 250,000 new jobs by 2015."
The survey looked at a variety of factors, from taxation and regulation to workforce quality and living environment.
May 17, 2012 at 9:33 a.m.
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jcommon...you say: "Act 10 has worked!!!" That reminds me of when Bush stood on the aircraft carrier with a big sign saying "We Won". Be real and look around you, where are the jobs? Stupid is that stupid does.
May 17, 2012 at 9:28 a.m.
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No GP, just fed up with Democrats in Wisconsin using the same tired old tactics when they have no solutions. No record to run on and no facts to give us. So where does that leave us. "Scott Walker hates women" so, when I ask how does Scott Walker hate women I hear crickets.
Defense fund, John Doe. Show us what you've got! I want to see it.
No more accusations, no more liberal propaganda rheteric.
You won't show me solid proof, because you can't.
May 17, 2012 at 9:26 a.m.
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From all the jobs that the Walker clan brags about, this is the one that they make an ad about: http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/stat...
Is this really all they can brag about? I think Walker is full of BS with his job creation numbers.
May 17, 2012 at 9:25 a.m.
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Act 10 has worked!!!
Wisconsin is coming out of debt.
The State is adding jobs.
What is it about this that you democrats don't like? Do you like being in debt? Do you like being unemployed? The stupidity never ceases to amaze me.
May 17, 2012 at 9:21 a.m.
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This all looks good,right? Wisconsin ranks 50, the bottom of the USA. Is this what people want? This is what is coming. More lies, more deceit. How can anyone trust Walker, he has lied since day one? How can anyone vote for a liar? This is what the republicans are all about, lies, twists to what really is going on, trying to get the people to believe their lies. Once in, down hill for the country. Look at what Bush did, the worst president in the USA. Google it. Robert Draper exposed the republicans. "Do not ask what good we do?" Google it. Obama inherited Bush's mess and the republicans are blaming him. Walker is not for the people. If he was, he would not of done what he has to hurt this state. Hes for the rich. What do people want, someone who is for the rich and lies, no trusting him or any republicans, or someone who is for the people. Think twice on election day. Remember we rank 50.
May 17, 2012 at 8:55 a.m.
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How dare the Democrats use tactics and criticize their opponents.
This is unheard of in Republican politics.
Republicans merely report facts from Fox News.
May 17, 2012 at 8:43 a.m.
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Geez, you guys seem awfully upset
for a bunch that has nothing to be afraid of.
May 17, 2012 at 8:34 a.m.
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The gravy train is stopping. This is the biggest fishing trip. They got nothing...no class...no principal...no innocence...We cant even think of a word that rhymes!
May 17, 2012 at 8:25 a.m.
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Show your cards liberals, I'm calling you out!
A bluff is only as good as the lie. You've got nothing. Walker was smart to ask for the investigation. Look at them spinning their wheels.
May 17, 2012 at 8:11 a.m.
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Stubbs......Your comment, "Let's add the manipulation and misuse of recently released job numbers for political purposes." has me wondering. Were the numbers that Walker released proven to be inaccurate??
May 17, 2012 at 8:01 a.m.
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Noleftist, I'm sure you've been told 100 times by now but you keep ignoring it, Walker's staff was campaigning from a publicly elected office, with a secret network during county paid time. That is a crime. Barrett's wife, sent 3 emails while working in a school as an employee. That is a violation of her work place rules not a law. It is comparable violation to someone that took too long of a lunch or was on facebook at work when the policy says they can't. She should face sanctions from the school district as described in their policy and procedure or handbook.
May 17, 2012 at 8 a.m.
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lol, eagle.
Hey, BTW, I work, to pay taxes. does that make me a public worker?
May 17, 2012 at 7:53 a.m.
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I will join the Walker bashers for a moment in that Walker did indeed lie. When Act 10 was proposed he assured us that the changes would be received by adults that would understand the strain the states budget was under as well as county and municipalities. He lied saying that the public workers as a whole would step up and be responsible by accepting the changes that still gave them much better benefits than the average private sector worker in Wisconsin. And he lied by not warning us that after Act 10 was proposed the masses of immature, temper tantrum throwing, entitled spoiled brats would converge on the Capitol embarrassing the entire state in front of the World, yes Walker bashers you are correct Walker lied.
May 17, 2012 at 7:41 a.m.
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Let's add the manipulation and misuse of recently released job numbers for political purposes. Reports on 3 this AM said the Dane County DA is looking into this latest violation.
May 17, 2012 at 7:40 a.m.
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Tactics?!? This time the Democrats have gone too far! They never mentioned that they would use a criminal probe like this for political purposes when they were running for office! They should be protested, heckled, and then recalled for this outrage!
May 17, 2012 at 7:37 a.m.
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So this is how many different directions the Dems have used to oust Walker? 5, 10, 15? What a joke who is running that party? This is as pathetic as the GOP constantly drumming up BS on Clinton in the 90's. 24 months and not much there. I am pretty sure if you investigate any politician for 24 months you will find something on a handful of associates if not more. As far as a criminal defense fund... duh, if you were under investigation wether it is trumped up or not wouldn't you be covering those bases as well. This is just another example of how desperate the Dems are and that they cannot run on the original reason for the recall... Act 10 or on Barrett's record. What a bunch of clowns.
May 17, 2012 at 7:13 a.m.
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I bet the Milwaukee DA is going to start investigating Barrett's wife real soon for doing the same thing as these Walker aides are accused of (and ol' Tom didn't self-report the infractions like Walker did). Yup, I bet he is.
No politics here, just a desire to get at the truth. Riiiiiggghhht.
The smell of fresh flop sweat in the morning. Gotta love it!
May 17, 2012 at 6:50 a.m.
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nugnrose if Walker had done something illegal I would hope the DA hasn't wasted the tax payers time and money by allowing a recall when a trial was needed instead. If he did do something illegal I suspect all voters would be against him. Since there has been nothing to date pointing toward this, then there is no there, there.
May 17, 2012 at 6:42 a.m.
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donnaw - "Wanna bet this "secret investigation...."
So what if it does? If Walker is innocent, what are you afraid of? And if Walker's being charged with committing a crime don't the voters have a right to know before they vote for or against? Seems you want to dig dirt on Barrett, but leave your Eagle Scout alone. Sorry Charlie, sauce for the goose.
May 17, 2012 at 6:23 a.m.
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Wanna bet this "secret investigation" will leak some headline grabbing suspicions the day or two before the election? It's politics as usual for the Dems.
May 17, 2012 at 6:19 a.m.
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Dems are grasping for straws. They don't have a plan to govern this state. They can't decide on why they wanted the recall. This is the dumbest recall election in history. The Dems are now begging the National Democratic Party to help them. What a bunch of dumb cry babies.
May 17, 2012 at 6:08 a.m.
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Mr Barrett, what are you going to do for the state of wisconsin? I will not vote for you unless I have a clear understanding of your initiatives?
May 17, 2012 at 5:06 a.m.
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The investigation WALKER REQUESTED. It is clear to all of us Barrett can't run on his record. The die has been cast.
There is nothing there or we'd hear about it by now. All they have is accusations..and lost hope.
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