WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/16/08) - The Republican Party of Wisconsin is holding its 2008 State Convention this weekend in Stevens Point this Friday and Saturday. Two prominent leaders in the Republican Party were booked to address Wisconsin Republicans at the event. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was set to headline the Banquet Honoring County Chairmen on Friday, May 16th, at 7 p.m. and Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan was scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the state convention on Saturday, May 17th at 10:30 a.m. State Democratic Party Chair Joe Wineke says Republicans are celebrating GOP failures.

“It will be my honor to address the Republican Party of Wisconsin", said national GOP chairman Duncan.

"As we all know, Wisconsin has been close in previous elections and this time I’m confident we’ll win," Duncan said.

"John McCain is the right candidate for the Badger State. He’s the person we can trust to lead America to a brighter, more prosperous future,” Duncan said.

Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, said Republicans from across Wisconsin will use the annual convention to rally toward success in November.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chairman Duncan and Governor Pawlenty to our convention as we prepare for an exciting campaign season. Both are prominent conservative leaders who are committed to minimizing big government, lowering taxes, and safeguarding traditional values,” said Priebus.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Joe Wineke has a different idea about the Republican get together than GOP spokespeople do. Wineke and other Democrats claim the Wisconsin Republican Party is gathering in Stevens Point to celebrate the GOP’s proven record of failure on everything from health care to Iraq to the economy.

Democrats say GOP high points include standing in the way of health care access, backing President Bush’s failed strategy in Iraq and ensuring tax cuts to the wealthy while middle class families suffer.

“Whether it’s the rising costs of health care or ongoing war in Iraq, it looks like Wisconsin Republicans have a lot to be proud of going into convention,” Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Joe Wineke said.

“This weekend, they’ll gather to celebrate Bush’s disastrous administration while they rally around his successor, John McCain,” Wineke said.

Democrats are blaming the high unemployment in Wisconsin on nearly eight years of failed Bush policies. The unemployment rate in Wisconsin is up to 4.8 percent, and, in the fourth quarter of 2007 alone, 32,887 families were unable to pay their mortgages.

Since the Iraq war began, over 4,000 American lives have been lost, including 87 brave soldiers from Wisconsin. Five years ago, President Bush assured the country that major combat operations were over, as he stood beneath the “Mission Accomplished” banner.

Democrats point out that around the same time, John McCain agreed, saying, “it’s clear that the end is very much in sight.” Now, even as Americans overwhelmingly favor bringing our troops home, John McCain said he is “fine” keeping them there…for 100 years. But, lately, McCain has changed that to saying he hopes to have the troops out of Iraq by 2013.

Under President Bush’s administration, over half a million people are uninsured in Wisconsin. Wineke explained that McCain supported President Bush’s Veto of SCHIP, and has no plan to help those who don’t have health insurance. Wineke also claims that McCain’s health care plan lacks any details on how to get more people health insurance or bring down costs.

“As Wisconsin Republicans gather this weekend, their proven record of failure could not be clearer,” Wineke said. “And John McCain’s out of touch policies are just more of the same.”