WISCREPORT.COM (08/26/2010) - The political and media climate of hate and division in the United States has developed to an intensity that alarms some people who fear what could result. This climate of potentially destructive rhetoric has prompted words of caution from the editor of WisconsinReport.com, which has a policy of publishing the Real Truth of the story, not an As We See It version of the truth. He suggests that everyone in the U.S. should remember that the strength of this country lies in what he calls, the Us Word. To read more, go to WisconsinReport.com (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (08/25/2010) - 85 percent of Americans, overall, are disatisfied with the United States Congress according to a recent Harris Poll. The number is that high because Republicans and Independents are REALLY disgruntled, but, it doesn't end there. The poll shows that even though Democrats are in the majority in Washington D.C., 73 percent of people who consider themselves Democrats are also strongly disapproving of the way things have been going in Congress. To read all about it, click on the headline above. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (08/12/2010) - On Monday, August 16, President Barack Obama will travel to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, where he will tour ZBB Energy Corporation and deliver remarks to workers. While in the state, President Obama will also visit Milwaukee, where he will headline events for Mayor Tom Barrett and the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Barrett is running for Wisconsin Governor and other Democrats are involved in heavily contested races. Click on the headline above to read more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (08/01/2010) - A new state administrative rule regarding political campaign advertisements is now in effect in the State of Wisconsin. The new rule uses a common-sense test in determining whether an ad has a political purpose and is subject to statutory disclosure and disclaimer requirements. The old rules led to campaign ads by independent groups that skirted regulation by avoiding the use of certain words. Read more by clicking on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (07/23/2010) - It must be an election year. The Wisconsin GOP is accusing the camp of Wisconsin 7th Congressional District candidate Julie Lassa (D-Portage County) of carrying out a negative campaign against Republican Sean Duffy (R-Ashland County). They claim Lassa is using a thin link and flawed logic to cover up her track record. That record includes more than a decade of working on business and workforce issues. For more details, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (07/20/2010) - Politics between Republicans and Democrats in Wisconsin is heating up and advertising and accusations are reflecting that. Politifact.com checks into how accurate campaign statements are. They say some ads against U.S. Senator Russ Feingold are overall Barely True on the Truth-O-Meter. For more, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (07/10/2010) - Anyone dialing a phone number in what has strictly been the 715 Area until now in the northern part of Wisconsin must enter the full ten digit number starting Saturday, July 17, 2010. That's the date telephone companies switch so a second code number (534) can be dropped into the 715 area. To read more, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/26/2010) - Farm Aid joined family farmers from across the country in Madison, Wisconsin, at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) joint public workshop examining competition in the dairy industry. The workshop comes 18 months into an unprecedented crisis for dairy farmers. Low prices and high production costs, combined with a tightening credit market, have pushed thousands of family farmers out of business. Click on the headline above to read more on this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/23/2010) - Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kathleen Parker and former New York governor Eliot Spitzer will co-host a spirited, nightly roundtable discussion program on CNN/U.S., according to Jon Klein, president of CNN/U.S. The new program, set to debut this fall, will air weeknights at 8pm Eastern time (7 CDT, etc.). Democrat Spitzer, a prosecutor and governor, and Parker, a conservative commentator, will host an exchange of opinions and analyses of the news of the day between themselves and guests and regular contributors. Click on the headline above to read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/21/2010) - U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) are leading a bipartisan group of senators in urging the House of Representatives to take up legislation to end the automatic pay raise system for members of Congress. In a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, 20 senators asked that the House vote on a bill passed by the Senate last year requiring members of Congress to pass legislation if they want to give themselves a pay raise. Currently, members of Congress receive an automatic pay increase UNLESS they pass legislation to block it. Click on headline above to read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/16/2010) - Large majorities of Americans feel they should be allowed to have guns, acccording to the latest Harris Poll findings. At the same time, many Americans favor stricter control of guns, particularly hand guns, although this number has decreased somewhat in the past few years. Most Republicans and Americans who own guns favor less strict laws controlling guns and hand-guns. Conversely, most Democrats and those who do not own guns favor stricter control of guns and hand guns. Click on the headline above for more details at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/02/2010) - American voters say by 48-35 percent that they want their state to pass an immigration law similar to the recent Arizona law, according to a Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll released June 1, 2010. The same poll shows that most people who took the poll don't look favorably at those who are opposed to the law. The poll results indicate, by an overwhelming 76-12 percent, those surveyed say that plans by those opposed to the law to boycott Arizona are a bad idea. To read more about the latest Quinnipiac Poll, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/01/2010) - Today is the first day for Wisconsin candidates and supporters to legally circulate nomination papers, marking the official start of the Fall 2010 campaign season. Many candidates planning to run in the November 2, 2010 election have been organizing their campaigns and raising money for months, but now is the time to get serious. If you are thinking about entering a race to win a seat in state government, the Government Accountability Board office is the place to find out what you legally need to do and when you need to do it. Click on the headline above for more information at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/24/2010) - State Republicans voted at the State GOP Convention in Milwaukee to support Ron Johnson to run against U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, and Republican candidate Dick Leinenkugal pulled out of the race. Instead Leinenkugal suggested the Republican Party get behind Johnson. Republican delegates also put their support solidly behind Republican Scott Walker to run for Governor. Walker was endorsed by more than 91 percent of the delegates present. Read more at WisconsinReport.com by clicking on the above headline. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/19/2010) - Marshfield, Wisconsin alderman John Spiros is running for the Wisconsin 70th Assembly District seat held by Amy Sue Vruwink (D-Milladore). Spiros is also a Roehl Transport Vice President of Safety and Claims Management. Spiros says he will work to undo, what he calls, the Wisconsin reputation of being a state that is not friendly toward employers, blaming 10.3 unemployment on Democrats raising taxes and fees. To read more at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/11/2010) - One of the Democrats talked about as a possible replacement for retiring Dave Obey has endorsed Julie Lassa, who yesterday announced she is in the race, while a Republican already running says if elected he will limit himself to eight years. Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls) has endorsed Julie Lassa in her bid for the Wisconsin 7th District seat held in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than 40 years. Republican Dan Mielke (R-Rudolph) says Lassa and his Republican opponent, Sean Duffy (R-Ashland), are career politicians, unlike himself. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/10/2010) - State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) has entered the race for the Congressional seat that Dave Obey is giving up after more than 40 years. Last week Obey announced he will retire from the Wisconsin 7th Congressional Seat in the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of his current term. Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Reince Priebus says Lassa has apparently emerged as the hand-picked successor to Dave Obey. Priebus added the usual opposing party rhetoric, indicating Lassa won't necessarily have an easy campaign. For more at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/05/2010) - U.S. Congressional Representative Dave Obey (D-Wausau) is retiring from his Wisconsin seat in the House after more than 40 years of service in Washington D.C. Obey first ran for the seventh Wisconsin district seat when Melvin Laird resigned to become Secretary of Defense in the President Richard Nixon administration. Obey has served as Chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. He has been a popular representative in Congress, beating numerous Republican challengers over the years. He received 61 percent of the vote in the last election. For more see WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/03/2010) - Now that former Wisconsin Secretary of Commerce Dick Leinenkugel has moved on to become a Republican candidate for Wisconsin U.S. Senator, the Governor has promoted former Deputy Secretary Aaron Olver to the position. When Leinkugel resigned the Secretary job with short notice to jump into the political campaign ring, Governor Jim Doyle turned to Olver, because of his experience within the department. Olver also had a business background before becoming part of the Doyle Administration. Click on the headline above to read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/30/2010) - Governor Jim Doyle has signed into law Senate Bill 484, the BadgerCare Plus Basic Bill. This bill creates a new, entirely self-funded health care plan option for nearly 43,000 adults without dependent children who are on the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan waiting list. For 130 dollars a month, people enrolled in BadgerCare Plus Basic will be able to go see a doctor, get the generic prescriptions they need, and receive catastrophic coverage, without costing taxpayers a dime. Click on the headline above to read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/26/2010) - Former state Commerce Secretary Richard Leinenkugel has announced his Republican bid for the Wisconsin U.S. Senate seat held by Russ Feingold (D-WI). When Feingold took office 18 years ago, Leinenkugel said he was busy improving the state economy by expanding his family beer-making business in Chippewa Falls. In making a switch from Commerce Secretary to Republican Primary candidate for the seat held by Feingold, Leinenkugel tried to distance himself from Governor Jim Doyle (D-WI), who had appointed him Secretary, saying he was working for the state not the Governor or Democrats. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/23/2010) - The Wisconsin State Assembly has passed a Senate Bill designed to increase public safety. Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says it creates a process to compel offenders who have failed to fulfill their legal obligations, to submit DNA specimens to the data bank. By having a more complete data bank of DNA information it is expected that the job of law enforcement will be swifter and more accurate. In a related matter, Van Hollen says there is no longer a DNA case backlog at the state crime lab. For more on this story at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/21/2010) - Menomonee Falls Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has introduced a U.S. House bill that would require all candidates for federal office to publicly disclose campaign donations online before gaining access to the funds. Meanwhile, State health officials have praised Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle (D) for signing Act 209 (Assembly Bill 659). State Health Secretary Timberlake says it is a long-overdue modernization of state law governing HIV testing. For more on both of these stories at WisconsinReport.com, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/20/2010) - This morning at the Capitol in Madison, a group of the largest businesses in Wisconsin, labor unions, farm organizations and other groups called for passage of the Clean Energy Jobs Act being considered by the state legislature. The groups are among nearly 300 businesses, labor unions and other organizations that are supporting the legislation. As the legislature considers the Clean Energy Jobs Act, citizens from across Wisconsin have created short videos to show why Wisconsin should pursue a clean energy future. For more click on the headline to go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/16/2010) - Former Wisconsin Governor and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson says he told his family he has decided not to take on U.S. Senator Russ Feingold in Feingold's bid for re-election. However, comments suggest he hasn't ruled out running for some office sometime in the future. Feingold says he hopes the attention can now get back to the issues rather than whether the once popular former governor will jump into the fray. Meanwhile, a member of the Leinenkugel Beer family sounds like he might run. Read more on this story and more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/08/2010) - Wisconsin has plenty of newsmakers this week, as usual. Wisconsin Nurses and Health Pros are applauding efforts by Governor Jim Doyle to rapidly implement the new federal Health Care Reform Law. The group likes the move to create a new office of National Health Care Reform this week. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Don Dunbar of Wisconsin is one of 35 people to be named to the Department of Homeland Security's newly formed Preparedness Task Force. Read more about these developments and more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/27/2010) - A grassroots movement from the other side of the fence is growing to be an alternative voice for people who do not necessarily agree with the tactics and apparent goals of the Tea Party. Coffee Party USA instead aims to reinvigorate the democratic process with civility, inclusiveness, and civic engagement. In addition to holding Coffee Party USA group Coffee Party Summit get togethers in many cities throughout the country this weekend, Coffee With Congress is scheduled March 29th through April 9th. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/26/2010) - The Fixes to the Senate Health Reform bill now go to the White House to become part of the new law signed by the President earlier this week. The U.S. House of Representatives voted 220 to 207 to give final okay to the minor changes made by the Senate to the Fixes sent to the Senate by the House. The Fixes are officially called the Health Care and Education Reconcilition Act. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says this completes what the late Senator Edward Kennedy called the great unfinished business. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/25/2010) - The United States Senate has approved a package of Fixes to the historic health care reform bill that President Obama signed into law Tuesday. The Senate vote on the Fixes was 56-43. The Fixes were sent to the Senate by the House following House approval of the Senate Health Reform bill last weekend. The Senate sent the Fixes package back to the House for a final Fixes vote due to some technical glitches in the Fixes that were uncovered in the Senate. Meanwhile, some Wisconsin Republicans want to authorize a lawsuit over the new federal Health Care Law. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/24/2010) - Now that President Obama has signed the Senate Health Reform Bill into law thanks to the approval of the House of Representatives, the House is moving on to boosting the economy. The House has passed two job creation and small business bills: the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Act and the Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act. It is hoped this will help businesses cope with the effects of the economy and create more jobs to get the economy moving in a positive direction. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/23/2010) - President Barack Obama has signed the Senate Health Reform bill into law, making good on a campaign promise that helped him get elected. The road to signing day was bumpy, slow and frustrating over more than a year since President Obama was sworn into office in January of 2009. Several provisions in the new law came from Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin. As President Obama was signing the bill, Attorneys General from more than a dozen states were filing lawsuits challenging the new law, and Washington D.C. Republicans have vowed to repeal it. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/22/2010) - The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Senate Health Care Reform bill 219-212 during a special weekend session in Washington D.C. They did so while also passing a separate House bill that fixes some of the things some people thought should not be included in the law. The original Senate bill now goes to President Obama for his signature, however, the Fixes now go to the Senate for approval. So Health Care Reform issues are not completely settled just yet. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/17/2010) - The Small Business Council of America (SBCA) is urging Members of the House of Representatives to vote against the Senate health care reform bill. The SBCA believes the details of the legislation will not only harm small businesses and their ability to provide health care to employees, but SBCA suggests it could lead to the ultimate demise of the USA private health care system. A spokesperson says SBCA supports health care reform, but not as proposed in the House and Senate bills. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/11/2010) - After months of delay, the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI), Sam Brownback (R-KS) and James Inhofe (R-OK). The Lords Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act requires the Obama administration to develop a new multifaceted strategy to help confront the regional crisis and continuing atrocities committed by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA), one of Africas longest-running rebel groups. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/08/2010) - There has been a lot of talk about the possibility that former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson (R-WI) might be joining the race against U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) during this election round. Republican spokespeople are saying that Thompson has the right people in Washington D.C. wanting him to be the next senator from Wisconsin. The Feingold side says those Washington people are lobbyists who want the former Health and Human Services Secretary in the George W. Bush administration to do their bidding. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/04/2010) - Wisconsin is not among the top 15 Phase One finalists in the running for federal Race To The Top educational dollars. Some Badger State elected officials are saying the debate over what was required to qualify may have been a factor. An Assembly Representative says the announcement does not lend credence to the argument by some that the legislature must approve a Mayoral takeover of Milwaukee Public Schools. Governor Doyle blames it on the legislature and Milwaukee not wanting to make needed reforms. A Ripon legislator says there is a second chance coming. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/19/2010) - Wisconsin State Senate Leader Russ Decker (D-Weston) is upset with accusations leveled at Democrats by Republican State Senator Scott Fitzgerald (Juneau). Fitzgerald says Democrats are raiding millions of dollars from the State Transportation Fund to use on what he calls Pet Projects, including fish fries. Senator Decker suggests that Fitzgerald should start using real facts, backed up with proof, if he can. The hub bub seems to be over a recent report on a Madison television station. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/28/2010) - A University of Wisconsin nuclear physics doctorate holder, who is now Chairman of the independent U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is set to speak at a Washington D.C. forum. Prior to his pro-nuclear energy mention during the State of the Union speech before the joint meeting of the U.S. Senate and House members January 27th, it was said that the Obama administration sent conflicting signals to the power industry on the integration of nuclear into the energy mix. The NRC chairman will update power industry leaders on the regulatory issues affecting the current applications for new reactors. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/25/2010) - Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has issued an informal opinion concluding that the long-standing practice of a committee created by the City of Racine to take action on specific loan projects through the use of email voting is a no-no. Van Hollen says to later confirm the results of the email vote at a subsequent committee meeting likely violated the public notice and open session requirements of the Wisconsin open meetings law. More on this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/21/2010) - Governor Jim Doyle unveiled a new self-funded health care plan today for adults without dependent children who are on the state health care waiting list. BadgerCare Plus Basic will provide enrollees with limited access to physicians, hospital services, generic prescriptions and catastrophic coverage, and will be paid for entirely through a monthly premium of $130. The Basic plan is designed to be a bridge plan to keep individuals healthy while they wait for space in the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/14/2010) - People in the United States and in countries around the world are looking to assist in the recent earthquake disaster in Haiti. Many are unable to actively go to the country to help in digging out citizens from under the rubble of the buildings, but money and goods are needed to help survivors cope with being without lodging, food, water, and other basic needs. InterAction has a list of member organizations online that accept donations. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (1/5/2010) - The U.S. Senate Health Care bill recently passed by the Senate includes some provisions of the Control Spending Now Act (CSNA) introduced by Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI). The provisions would effectively lower the cost of prescription drugs, if included in the final version that comes out of the House-Senate Conference Committee. Senator Feingold says he will fight to keep the provisions in the final bill. In a WisconsinReport.com news story Feingold explains how the savings would come about. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/28/2009) - Now that the U.S. Senate has passed its version of the Health Care bill that has received much discussion in Congress, and cable channel and radio talk/news shows for nearly a year, many Republicans continue to stick to the same basic spin. Republican Party of Wisconsin Executive Director Mark Jefferson is suggesting that Wisconsin U.S. Senators Feingold and Kohl have, in his words, sold out Wisconsin, by voting for passage. However, the Wisconsin Hospital Association President is applauding the Congressional delegation. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/24/2009) - The U.S. Senate passed the Senate version of the so-called Health Care Reform early in the morning on Christmas eve, as Democrats hoped. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) says the Senate bill is far from perfect, but, it includes important provisions for Wisconsin. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) explains that the Senate version begins the process of cutting health care costs and hopes the finalized Senate - House compromise bill will reach President Obama for his signature in January. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/05/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle (D-WI) has appointed State Assembly Representative Gary Sherman to the District IV Court of Appeals, following the retirement of Judge Bridge. The state Republican Party director suggests the Sherman appointment was payback for past vote switching, and the Republican running for his seat alleges Sherman accepted the judgeship because he would have a hard time defeating his opponent. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/25/2009) - Wisconsin Assembly Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine) is seeking co-sponsorship for a Toxic Toys bill designed to make it easier for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and friends to buy safer toys to give to young girls and boys during Christmas and the rest of the year. There's more on this story on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/17/2009) - Former State Representative Terri McCormick of Appleton has announced her bid to become the Republican nominee for U.S. Congress in the Wisconsin Eighth Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Representative Steve Kagen, M.D. (D-Appleton). Kagen has represented the 8th District since 2007. He was preceeded by Republican Mark Green (1999-2006), Democrat Jay Johnson, and Republican Toby Roth (1989-1996). WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/16/2009) - Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has joined Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton in seeking the State Democrats nod to run for Wisconsin Governor. Lawton has been studying the idea to run for the top spot for several months. Others seeking the Governor office are Republicans Scott Walker and Mark Neumann. Spokespersons for both parties are talking about the Mayor Barrett announcement, including Governor Jim Doyle, Democratic Party Chair Mike Tate, Walker Campaign Manager Keith Gilkes and Kirsten Kukowski of the Republican Party. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/12/2009) - State Representatives Amy Sue Vruwink (D-Milladore) and Marlin Schneider (D-Wisconsin Rapids) have requested that the Attorney General, the Government Accountability Board, and the Board of Regents investigate the possible violation of state law at various campuses of the University of Wisconsin system by gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker (R-Wauwatosa). Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/11/2009) - State of Wisconsin elected legislative representatives are observing Veterans Day in various ways today. Many of them are letting their sentiments be known during these hours of thanks and remembrance. WisconsinReport.com has published a few of the Veterans Day comments by State Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville), Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Reince Priebus, and Assembly Representative Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire). Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/10/2009) - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Mike Tate is disappointed with the votes of some Congressional Representatives from Wisconsin in the U.S. House last Saturday. Tate says the votes of Congressmen Tom Petri (R-WI) and Paul Ryan (R-WI) against the Affordable Health Care for America Act highlights the growing divide between their stance on the issues and what their constituents want. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/07/2009) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested that the New Direction that Democrats have been promising the country will be manifested today by passage of the Health Care Reform that Congress has been spending so much time and effort on. She made the comments at a news conference today following a Democratic Whip meeting with President Obama in the Cannon Caucus Room. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/07/2009) - In a victory for President Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous. The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/28/2009) - Expressing concern that state government is hampering job creation and failing to protect seniors in a down economy, Ed Thompson (R-Tomah) has announced he will run as a Republican against incumbent Kathleen Vinehout for the 31st State Senate district. Vinehout (D-Alma) says she welcomes Thompson into the race to represent Trempeauleau, Buffalo, Jackson and Pepin counties and parts of Monroe, Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, and Clark Counties. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/16/2009) - The Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe is experiencing a change of leadership as a result of its Tribal elections held Saturday, October 10, 2009. The election drew the second highest number of voters in the history of the tribe and resulted in the election of a new Tribal President, Kim Vele. She replaces the incumbent President, Robert Chicks, who has held the office for the past twelve years, or six consecutive terms. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/14/2009) - The State of Wisconsin has created or saved over 22,000 full time jobs through the use of federal recovery funds allocated to the state to help ease the downturn in the economy, according to the State Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan of Janesville. Sheridan is predicting the ultimate creation of 70,000 jobs in Wisconsin. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/14/2009) - 250 women from across the state of Wisconsin have announced the launch of Women for Lawton, a movement to elect Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton the next governor of the State of Wisconsin. Milwaukee County Democratic Party Chair Martha Love, former Brown County Executive Nancy Nusbaum and former Wisconsin Women = Prosperity Strategist Pat Alea are the founding co-chairs. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/13/2009) - The Restore the Vote Wisconsin NOW! (RTV-WIN) Coalition members are testifying to the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs Tuesday, October 13, 2009 in support of a voting rights bill. The Wisconsin Democracy Restoration Act would enfranchise more than 42,000 Wisconsin citizens who live, work, go to school, raise families and pay taxes in our communities. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/12/2009) - Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) is leading the charge to keep the Patriot Act strong, in the face of soon to expire provisions of the Act. Sensenbrenner believes the provisions should be extended beyond the end of this year. He is also commending President Obama for supporting the reauthorization. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/09/2009) - The Fox Television Network has hired a Wisconsin native to star in an action comedy series, called Jack and Dan. The network has ordered 13 episodes of the hour-long series set to star Bradley Whitford, born and raised in the Madison, Wisconsin area. The Emmy Award winner is best known for his roles on The West Wing television series and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/30/2009) - The Senate Finance Committee yesterday first failed to include a public health insurance option plan offered by Senator John Rockefeller (D-WV), and later another similar plan offered by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) during consideration of the committee health care reform proposal. Some Democrats, including Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, say the issue is not completely at an end. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/31/2009) - Republican Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner of Brookfield, Wisconsin has announced his bid for re-election to represent the Wisconsin 5th district in the U.S. House of Representatives and has also announced he is being treated for prostate cancer. Click on the headline for more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/26/2009) - U.S. Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) passed away during the night at age 77. The youngest of the famous Kennedy brothers had been suffering from brain cancer. President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy were both assassinated decades earlier. Ted continued their political tradition in the U.S. Senate for nearly half a century. He was one of the Democratic champions for the American People who was respected by party members and opponents alike for his dedication. Read more on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/18/2009) - Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has announced that he will not seek a third term as Governor. Governor Doyle says he has decided to limit himself to two terms and is ready to go to accomplish as much as possible during his second and final term. Doyle's Republican opponents are suggesting that a self-imposed term limit has nothing to do with Doyle's decision not to seek a third term. The Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair says low approval ratings, a budget mess and embarassing stories may be the real reasons Doyle is quitting after his second term, but supporters disagree. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/07/2009) - Washington D.C. has extended the Cash For Clunkers program which has been more successful than originally anticipated. Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold says the program has been a boost to local economies, and is pleased to see it continue. Feingold, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, also says he was pleased to vote to approve the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the next Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. Feingold also approves of the cooperative nature of agencies looking into possible anti-competetive practices hampering some parts of the dairy industry. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/06/2009) - U.S. Congressional Representative Tom Petri (R-WI) might find himself the victim of health insurance industry financed Teabagger protests after video of him supporting a public option for health care reform, and rejecting the argument of so-called Birthers was released by One Wisconsin Now. Petri answered questions at a town hall meeting in Darby, Wisconsin. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scott Ross gives Petri credit for taking on what Ross calls the right-wing fringe some people are calling the Birther movement. Read more on this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/29/2009) - State of Wisconsin officials are reminding people that the first day to apply for a Declaration of Domestic Partnership begins on August 3, 2009. The Declaration is a new vital record created under state law that the Department of Health Services (DHS) will maintain, along with other vital records such as birth and death certificates. The Department has been providing training and technical assistance for county clerks in preparation for August 3rd. Two unmarried adults of the same sex who are living together may apply for a Declaration at their local county clerk office. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/13/2009) - U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) gave high marks to U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor in his opening statement during the first day of confirmation hearings, but wants to know more. Kohl is second in seniority among Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is responsible for conducting the hearings as the Senate engages in its Constitutional role to advise and consent on Supreme Court nominations. Kohl told the nominee that the committee needs to know what she thinks about civil rights, privacy, property rights, the separation of church and state, and civil liberties. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/03/2009) - The Fourth of July weekend is upon us, but the fireworks that many people are interested in learning more about may be taking place in the State of Alaska, USA. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin announced today that she will not seek a second term as Governor of the State of Alaska and will relegate the power of governor to Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell. Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will become Lieutenant Governor. The transfer of power will take place July 26th. Read more about this story on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/01/2009) - Small business owner and former Congressman Mark Neumann has filed paperwork to officially enter the 2010 race for Wisconsin Governor. Neumann was elected to represent the 1st Congressional District in Wisconsin in 1994 and was re-elected in 1996. Neumann ran for US Senate on the Republican ticket in 1998. 55 year old Neumann owns a home building company and is co-chairman of Educational Enterprises, a non-profit that runs three Hope Schools in Milwaukee as well as a public charter school in Arizona. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/30/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle signed into law basic legal protections for same-sex couples, as part of the 2009-11 biennial budget. This makes Wisconsin the first state in the Midwest to legislatively enact basic legal protections for same-sex couples. The co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee is calling it a historic development in the lives of thousands of gay and lesbian families across the state, and, a step toward true equality in Wisconsin. It starts August 3rd. Opponents say its not a Constitutional move. Read more on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/29/2009) - State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) says Wisconsin has now succeeded in what he calls a long struggle to bring mandatory auto insurance to Wisconsin. Governor Jim Doyle signed into law legislation that requires drivers in Wisconsin to carry auto insurance. Wisconsin joins the 48 other states that have what Carpenter calls a commonsense requirement. Meanwhile, some Republicans are voicing objections to some of the auto insurance requirements. Read more on this story and others at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/18/2009) - The Wisconsin State Senate has passed a biennial budget bill for 2009-2011. As usual, there are misgivings by Republicans that majority party Senate Democrats were able to get the budget passed. However, Majority Leader Russ Decker says the version passed has no general sales or payroll tax increases, yet, it still protects working families, schools, and police and fire services from cuts. Another provision invests in highways, airports, bridges and harbors, and is expected to create about 10,000 jobs. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/15/2009) - Iranians, energized by the Friday, June 12, 2009 competitive presidential contest, used video, pictures, e-mail and social media to communicate with the Voice of America (VOA) Persian News Network, which devoted extensive coverage to the historic election. VOA is a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. Government. Broadcasting in 45 languages, VOA produces approximately 1,500 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 134 million people. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/15/2009) - Witnesses in Tehran said today a protester has been shot and killed at a massive pro-opposition rally in the Iranian capital. Official election results show Iranian incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won 63 percent of the vote, compared to 34 percent for challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi, his main rival. An Iranian photographer on the scene of a protest rally over the election results said that armed members of a pro-government militia opened fire on the crowd today, killing at least one demonstrator. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/05/2009) - Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is marking the 65th Anniversary of D-Day by continuing his fight for veterans in Northeast Wisconsin and throughout the country. Congressman Kagen spoke with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki and urged the VA to advance several measures that will help our brave soldiers when they return home. Kagen is urging Secretary Shinseki to make sure the health needs of military veterans always be tended to as needed, because the veterans deserve to be treated with the respect they deserve. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/04/2009) - While some staunch Republicans, talkshow hosts, and other opponents of Democrats are calling President Barack Obama's speech in the Middle East, apologetic, and worse, most of the residents of the United States are calling it an extension of goodwill long overdue. The speech was made across the ocean, live, early today U.S. time and is being repeated on some television channels at more opportune times for people in the U.S. to view. A member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee says it was the kind of speech needed at this point in history. Read about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/26/2009) - President Barack Obama officially nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court this morning (Tuesday) following a White House search that in the end, reportedly, included five women on the Short List. If approved by Congress, Judge Sotomayor will be the first hispanic to sit on the Supreme Court. U.S. Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold say Sotomayor seems to be a good choice, but they reserve the right to study her qualifications carefully, because filling the Supreme Court seat being vacated is serious business. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/09/2009) - A public health emergency remains in effect in Wisconsin in response to the presence of Influenza A (H1N1) in the state. Wisconsin now has 298 Confirmed Cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu), according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDH). The increase in confirmed cases from May 6th to May 8th reflects new testing capability in Wisconsin. Read more about this story and others at WisconsinReport.com, the place to depend on for Relevant Reading. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/05/2009) - In a decision quickly praised by Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals held today that Garrett L. Huff was properly convicted of conspiring to commit election bribery in a City of Milwaukee aldermanic re-call election, even though the persons with whom he was found to have conspired were undercover law enforcement officers ineligible to vote in the election involved. Read more about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/28/2009) - Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore is a co-sponsor of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1913). The act is designed to give local law enforcement agencies tools to combat violent hate crimes. If passed. it would expand the definition of a Hate Crime. Moore says every American regardless of race, religion, color, gender or sexual orientation should never have to be a victim of a hate crime. See the story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/23/2009) - Former Judiciary Committee Chairman and author of the REAL ID legislation, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), is responding to the remarks of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano. Napolitano spoke to the Anti-Defamation League National Leadership Conference about repealing REAL ID, an idea that the author of the bill finds distasteful. Read all about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/21/2009) - Legislation introduced today by State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) and Representative Spencer Black (D-Madison) would create stiff penalties for Wisconsin lawmakers who take jobs with special interests after leaving office. The bill seeks to close the so-called Revolving Door between government and special interests, which critics have decried as a major factor in government corruption. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/20/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle has approved proposals for transit projects in 14 small urban areas and 32 non-urbanized areas around Wisconsin. Approval is a major step in securing the portion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding that has been appropriated for the state. The projects total nearly $34.5 million. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/15/2009) - A Wisconsin State Senator is saying today is a great day to be a citizen of Wisconsin. Senator Neal Kedzie says what is being called the Taxpayer Tea Party taking place in Madison and elsewhere is more than a demonstration against high taxes. However, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Joe Wineke says the Republican tea bag party is being bankrolled by special interest groups fighting to protect the Bush tax cuts for multi-millionaires and big corporations. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/10/2009) - What does a former Wisconsin State Senator do after he becomes a private citizen again? More than 300 individuals attended a landing party on April 4, 2009 in New Berlin, Wis. to witness the successful completion of former Wisconsin State Senator Dave Zien's one million mile ride on the same Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The feat earned him a world record from the Iron Butt Association. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/04/2009) - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says the first priority of any government should be public safety. He made the statement while attending a get together of law enforcement professionals in Cambridge friday. Van Hollen is concerned about possible sentencing changes being discussed by State officials in Madison. Read more details at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/09/2009) - Wisconsin voters who have not voted in four years or more have two weeks to respond to a notice postcard recently sent to them from the Elections Division of the Government Accountability Board (G.A.B.). More than 313,000 Wisconsinites received the notice. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/06/2009) - President Barack Obama today announced $2 billion in Recovery Act 2009 funding allocations for state and local law enforcement assistance available through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, including over $30 million for the state of Wisconsin. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/03/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle has announced that Wisconsin has received federal authority to proceed with plans for investing up to $529 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds on transportation improvement projects across the state. The funds will create or save 13,000 jobs. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/26/2009) - United States Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) is commending President Barack Obama for presenting a budget to Congress that represents an honest assessment of the current financial situation. Wisconsin's United States Senator Russ Feingold, a member of the Senate Budget Committee agrees. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/11/2009) - United States Congressmen Steve Kagen and Ron Kind are fighting for tax breaks for small businesses. The Wisconsin Representatives led 12 of their colleagues in a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer to include a provision that would provide built-in gains (BIG) tax relief in the final version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. 60 to 80 percent of net new jobs annually over the last decade have been created by small businesses according to the Small Business Administration. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/30/2009) - The Wisconsin Senate Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs Committee has passed a bill authored by Senator Russ Decker (D-Weston) to increase the minimum wage from $6.50 to $7.60 and then index it for inflation. If it gets through the legislative process the new wage would go into effect on June 1, 2009 and be indexed annually for inflation. Another bill that also made it's way through the committee is called the Wage Potection Act. The Wage Protection Act protects workers wages when a company goes bankrupt. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/27/2009) - Two bills intended to spur economic growth and create jobs in Wisconsin passed the State Assembly this afternoon, during the first working session day of the new Democratic majority. The American Jobs Act and the Wisconsin First legislation are both aimed at supporting companies that create jobs in the state. Both bills passed with strong bipartisan support. The Wisconsin First legislation passed with a 77 to 22 vote; the American Jobs Act passed with a 69 to 30 vote. More on the legislation can be found on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/22/2009) - Hillary Clinton was greeted at the United States State Department building by a large gathering of State Department workers who welcomed the new Secretary of State with loud applause and smiles all around. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told the 20,000 State Department and Civil Service workers in the building and at offices in countries around the world that President Obama set the tone for the direction of the State Department efforts with his inaugural address. She said the State Department will be responsible for diplomacy and development during the Obama - Biden administration. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/20/2009) - The People of the United States of America have a new President. President Barack Obama was sworn into office before one of the largest audiences that have ever attended a presidential inauguration in Washington D.C. When all of the figures are in, the broadcasts and cablecasts of the event are likely to have the largest combined world wide audience ever as well. A large percentage of the country's population believe they now have a president they can believe in to follow through on the Hope and Promise of the Change he campaigned on. Read more about the inauguration at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/16/2009) - Figures in the range of a million to four million people may be showing up in Washington D.C. January 20th, 2009 for the United States Presidential Inaugaration. There are numerous security possibilities being planned for and as a result law enforcement, Secret Service personnel, and other interested agencies and departments are working long hours to be prepared. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the Presidential Inaugural Committee, Secret Service, and District of Columbia website have issued some guidelines in case you plan to attend. See WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/15/2009) - As one of the first legislative acts of the 111th Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday reauthorized the 11-year-old Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and extended health insurance coverage to an additional 4.1 million children nationwide. The bill will provide coverage to more than 11 million children. Families USA expects quick action in the U.S. Senate to speed the bill to new United States President Barack Obama's desk. It may be the first bill that was vetoed by outgoing President George W. Bush that will be signed by the new President. See WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/8/08) - Government Accountability Board Director and General Counsel Kevin J. Kennedy has received the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL) Award for Distinguished Service. COGEL is an international organization comprised of hundreds of governmental members who administer and enforce elections, campaign finance, ethics, lobbying and freedom of information laws. Each year, the organization recognizes an individual for outstanding long-term contributions to the organization. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/02/08) - Official results of the November 4th General Election in Wisconsin were certified yesterday (12-1-08) by Government Accountability Board member Judge William Eich. 2,983,417 Wisconsinites voted in the latest presidential election, which is 69 percent of the estimated voting age population in the state. By comparison, 73 percent of the state’s voting age population participated in the 2004 General Election. The presidential electors for the political party which won the presidential contest – must convene and formally cast their votes based on the November 4th results. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/25/08) - Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI) has been elected vice-chairwoman of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues. In January, when Congress reconvenes for the first session of the 111th Congress, Representative Moore will become a key leader in the U.S. House of Representatives on issues affecting women. Congresswoman Moore’s tenure will last for two years and she will serve with Chairwoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and two Republican members of Congress. For more on this story and other news go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/25/08) - In the second of a schedued three news conferences at the beginning of Thanksgiving week President-elect Barack Obama announced several members of his economic team. Monday (11-24-08) Obama named Timothy F. Geithner, Secretary of the Treasury; Lawrence H. Summers, Director of the National Economic Council; Christina D. Romer, Director of the Council of Economic Advisors; Melody C. Barnes, Director of the Domestic Policy Council; and Heather A. Higginbottom, Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council. Tuesday, he nominated Peter Orszag as Office of Management and Budget Director, and Rob Nabors as Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director. Read about these Obama team members at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/21/08) - What happens in the automotive industry affects the people of the United States far beyond the immediate employee roster in the U.S. automobile factories and auxiliary industries. It could potentially affect everyone in the country. Estimates indicate that if allowed to happen, the collapse of the U.S.-based auto industry wouldn't just impact the nearly 355,000 Americans directly employed by the Big Three. There is the eventual potential that around 3 Million jobs, and possibly more, in all parts of the USA, in many different types of occupations, could ultimately be lost. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/06/08) - The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Fund is thanking Wisconsin’s election officials, from the Government Accountability Board, (GAB) to clerks, to citizens who worked at voting locations, for a smooth election. Meanwhile, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the AFL-CIO are pleased with the results of elections throughout the United States, and in particular, within the State of Wisconsin. AFT and AFL-CIO spokespersons believe election night produced big victories for working families in Wisconsin, as pro-labor candidates swept elections in state and federal races. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/5/08) - Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama delivered an enlightening and uplifting speech last night at Grant Park in Chicago following his rousing 349 to 162 electoral vote victory over Republican Senator John McCain resulting from the national popular voting yesterday. Obama told the huge crowd that gathered at the park and the television audience in the rest of the United States and the world that he will be more than the President of those who supported him. President-elect Obama said he will also be the President of those whom he has yet to earn support from. Read the entire election night acceptance speech online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/3/08) - Senator Barack Obama continues to do well in the polls taken during the political presidential campaign season leading up to the November 4th national election day. The Quinnipiac Poll shows Obama with a seven-point lead over Republican Senator John McCain among likely voters in Ohio and 10 points in Pennsylvania. However, Florida, which has played a big role in the last two Presidential Elections, is too-close-to-call according to the final Quinnipiac University Swing State Poll. Obama has just a two-point lead in Florida, which is within the margin of error. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/03/08) - The woman who played a big role in raising Barack Obama to become the Democratic candidate in the 2008 Presidential Election just couldn't hang on long enough to witness the results of the voting. Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Dunham has died of Cancer in Hawaii. Her death was announced the day before the election. Obama made a trip to Hawaii last week after learning that the end was near. He said he was too late to say goodbye to his mother when she passed away years earlier, and he didn't want the same thing to happen with his grandmother. Obama's grandmother died late Sunday night. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/31/08) - From October 21st to October 28th, spending on television advertising in the presidential campaign has totaled nearly $38 million. Over this time period, the Obama campaign spent nearly $21.5 million while the McCain campaign spent nearly $7.5 million. Another $6.7 million was spent by the Republican Party and $2.2 million was spent by interest groups. The total does not include the so-called 30-minute Obama Infomercial the week before election day, nor anything McCain has spent in the last few days. Figures indicate the Obama campaign will spend more than any other Presidential effort in history. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/28/08) - A Wisconsin Democracy Campaign analysis shows that Wisconsin contributors have donated a record $3.27 million to unregulated special interest groups that spend much of their money on negative broadcast advertising, mailings and other electioneering activities to muffle what the candidates in federal and state races have to say on issues that really matter to voters. The contributions to 527 groups occurred between January 2007 and October 15, 2008. More than $1 million was contributed by a Milwaukee philanthropist. See WisconsinReport.com for more on this story. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/23/08) - It's still the economy as Senator Barack Obama rolls up support among groups who have not supported a Democrat for decades to lead Republican Senator John McCain in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania, according to simultaneous Quinnipiac University Swing State polls released today. With 12 days to go, Sen. McCain is narrowing the gap in Florida, but fading in Ohio and barely denting Sen. Obama's double-digit lead in Pennsylvania. No one has been elected President since 1960 without taking two of these three largest swing states in the Electoral College. For more on this latest poll results see WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/16/08) - Most of nine forecast models developed by political scientists predict a victory for Senator Barack Obama over Senator John McCain in the two-party contest for the popular vote in the 2008 presidential election. Obama is predicted to win an average of 52 percent of the vote with an 80 percent probability that he will gain more than half the total two-party popular vote. Six out of the nine presidential election forecasts predict an Obama victory with popular vote totals ranging from 50.1 percent to 58.2 percent, while two predict a race too close to call and one predicts a narrow McCain victory. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/15/08) - Boosted by the economic crisis and a strong debate performance, Democrat Barack Obama is over the 50 percent mark in the key battleground states of Wisconsin, Colorado, Michigan, and Minnesota, and for the first time leads or ties Republican John McCain among white voters in all four states. The four simultaneous Quinnipiac University polls of likely voters released yesterday also shows by wide margins, voters in each state say Senator Obama understands the economy better than Senator McCain. By bigger margins, voters say McCain better understands foreign policy. More details are at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/10/08) - Change To Win, a nationwide worker organization of over 6 million members, has outlined a comprehensive economic recovery program for Main Street America that would generate broad-based prosperity, restore faith and fairness in the market system, and renew the American Dream for working and middle class families. The worker organization called on Congress to reject the Wall Street bailout based on the flawed economic policies of the past. A spokesperson says the United States needs a new economic model that rewards worker productivity and innovation, and, sets new rules for the marketplace and the workplace. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/09/08) - The John McCain - Sarah Palin campaign tactics have become rougher and rawer than previously as the 2008 Presidential Campaign election date gets closer. The inaccuracies, and, often misleading information on the political stump, in advertising, and in interviews on radio and television by the Republican candidates and their surrogates is keeping the Barack Obama camp busy. Some political commentators believe McCain is ramping up the desperate attack because his people see the possibility of the Obama - Biden ticket winning the White House in November. Despite the McCain muckattack, the polls show Obama leading in many states. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/08/08) - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Joe Wineke is calling last night's Presidential Debate Barack Obama’s second straight debate victory. Wineke says John McCain was unable to articulate a new direction for the country beyond what Wineke calls the failed, recycled policies of George Bush. Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Lieutenant Governor Margaret Farrow are spinning the second Presidential Debate from the Republican point of view. Farrow and Walker saw McCain making several points and coming out ahead of Obama in the Nashville debate. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/03/08) - The group Open Debates renewed the call for debate reform in the wake of last night's vice-presidential debate between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Sarah Palin. The organization claims that the extensive format restrictions imposed by the Republican and Democratic campaigns, with the complicity of the Commission on Presidential Debates, reduced much of the vice presidential debate to a series of memorized sound bites. Open Debates says the atmosphere that resulted was detrimental to the voting public. More on the Veep Candidates debate at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/01/08) - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) announced today that Congress has passed legislation based on a provision he authored allowing servicemembers deployed overseas to terminate cell phone contracts free of penalties. The Feingold measure, which passed as part of the Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement Act, will expand the rights servicemembers already have to terminate similar contracts like residential and automobile leases without penalty. The measure now heads to the President for his signature. For more information on this story go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/30/08) - The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) CEO is weighing in on the failure by the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, and one of Wisconsin's U.S. Senators has some suggestions on how to make the Bailout Better. Wisconsin Bankers Association President Kurt Bauer warns the crisis won't get better by doing nothing. Senator Russ Feingold expects the so-called Bailout to see another round of voting by Congress, which creates another opportunity to address what he calls major flaws in the proposal. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/29/08) - The United States Congress failed to pass the 700 Billion Dollar Solution they have been working on over the weekend and debating today. Despite the apparent urgency of the financial crisis, H.R 3997, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, failed on the House floor by a vote of 205 - 228. Several Wisconsin members of the House of Representatives voiced dissapproval of the so-called Bailout. Some others were dismayed that the attempt to find a solution that the majority could agree on just wasn't possible. The Stock Market reacted in dissappointment. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/27/08) - There are mixed reactions to last night's first United States Presidential Debate between the two major party candidates running to be the next Commander In Chief of the Economy as well as Commander In Chief of the Military. McCain supporters say Arizona Senator John McCain won, while Illinois Senator Barack Obama supporters say Obama came out on top. And, Depending on which tv/radio talker you listen to after the debates, you have your choice of, it was a draw, or, Obama proved he was ready to take control of the military and the economy, or, McCain's strategy seemed to be to try his best to look stern and to not look at his opponent, and so on. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/25/08) - The Republican and Democrat running against each other for President of the United States have decided to lend their input and guidance in the current national economy emergency Congress is wrestling with. Yesterday, U.S. Senators John McCain (R) and Barack Obama (D) issued a joint statement that pointed out that it's important for both parties to come together to solve the problem. Obama and McCain will both be meeting with President George W. Bush and leaders of Congress today in hopes of making a difference in the so-called 700 Billion Dollar Solution to save homes, jobs, and the ecomomy proponents say are at stake. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/23/08) - Probable voters in four Battleground States are looking at the Barack Obama - Joe Biden ticket as the one that is more likely to bring about Change. By 19 - 24 point margins, voters in Wisconsin, Colorado, Michigan, and Minnesota say Democrat Barack Obama, not Republican John McCain, is the candidate of change. That poll result lifts Senator Obama into the lead in these battleground states, according to four simultaneous Quinnipiac University polls of likely voters, conducted in partnership with The Wall Street Journal and WashingtonPost.com More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/22/08) - Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama's running mate, Deleware Senator Joe Biden, addressed the National Guard Association Conference in Baltimore, Maryland today. Biden spoke about veteran's benefits, restoring the economy, and the importance of taking care of military families. Biden said issues affecting the Guard sit at the core of the two great national challenges – national security and economic security. He said he and Barack Obama know that both need to be strengthened by supporting military missions at home and abroad, and making sure the National Guard members return to strong secure jobs and a sound economy. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/22/08) - Illinois Senator Barack Obama started out being the only major presidential candidate advocating Change at the start of the Democrats Primary Campaign. When his opponent, New York Senator Hillary Clinton saw people were drawn to the message of Change, her slogan soon was about Change, but, Obama's message was the one people wanted. Now, it's the Republican candidate, Senator John McCain, who has changed his message to a declaration that McCain is the Change guy. While in Green Bay, Wisconsin today, Barack Obama explained that Obama's Change is The Real Change We Need. To read Barack Obama's speech, go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/19/08) - The Obamas are coming to Wisconsin. The Obama campaign today announced that Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama will campaign in Wisconsin Monday to kick off the Wisconsin campaign’s Women’s Week of Action. Mrs. Obama will host Wisconsin Women for Obama rallies in Madison and Milwaukee, and an economic roundtable discussion with working women in Wausau. Senator Barack Obama will also hold a separate event in Green Bay on Monday. Meanwhile, Obama's opponent, Republican Senator John McCain outlined his plan To reform financial markets while in Green Bay today. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/17/08) - United States Reprepresentatives Ron Kind (D) of LaCrosse, Wisconsin and Steven Kagen (D) of Appleton, Wisconsin joined a majority in Congress Tuesday evening in passing a comprehensive energy plan for America – H.R. 6899. Kind hailed the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act as a way for Democrats and Republicans to come together to forge a path to energy independence. Kind says the plan is much more than a Drill, Baby, Drill plan. It begins federal investments in renewable and clean energy alternatives to take the so-called addiction to foreign oil eventually off the table. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/15/08) - The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) has recognized a select group of legislators for their work on behalf of county government during the 2007-2008 Legislative Session with the WCA Outstanding Legislator Award. A number of Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly staffers were also recognized by the Wisconsin Counties Association. WCA Executive Director Mark O'Connell says the legislators proved that they were committed to issues that the association believed were important to the member counties. For more about the assembly representatives and state senators and legislative staffers recognized see WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/11/08) - Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin apparently is attracting white women likely voters to Arizona Senator John McCain. Palin is helping McCain pull away from Illinois Senator Barack Obama in Florida and narrow the gap with the Democrat in Pennsylvania, even as he is slipping slightly in Ohio, according to simultaneous Quinnipiac University Swing State polls released today. No one has been elected President since 1960 without taking two of these three largest swing states in the Electoral College. More details about the latest Quinnipiac University Swing State polling is at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/08/08) - When Barack Obama's Democratic Vice Presidential running mate, Senator Joe Biden, campaigned in Green Bay he was introduced by a Hoffmaster Appleton employee who, along with 300 coworkers, is losing his job. Greg Hinds, is a 17-year employee of a series of companies that have occupied the same plant. Hinds feels that he, his wife and two daughters, have suffered under what is called the failed economic policies of the last eight years of the Bush Administration. Hinds suggested that a John McCain-Sarah Palin administration is likely to be no better for the country. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/08/08) - FactCheck.org is claiming that Republican John McCain's new vice presidential running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, has been slimed by false representations of her record. FactCheck.org answers allegations that Palin cut funding for special needs education; that she allegedly wanted Alaska to secede from the United States; and other claims by opponents of the McCain-Palin Presidential team. FactCheck.org also says Palin did not support Pat Buchanan for President in the past, she was co-chair of the Steve Forbes Presidential bid, instead. Read more about the FactCheck.org report at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/05/08) - Last night, Arizona Senator John McCain told the Republican Convention Delegates and tv audience that he has respect and admiration for Barack Obama and his supporters. McCain said despite the differences, more unites us than divides us. McCain, the hope of Republicans to keep control of the White House, then advised the Party regulars and on-lookers, that he and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will win in November. McCain said if he does win he will reach out a hand to all willing Patriots, and get the country back on the road to prosperity and peace. Read John McCain's speech at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/04/08) - Republicans who ran for the position that John McCain is currently enjoying as the party's candidate for President of the United States have been letting people know at the 2008 Republican Convention why they should support and vote for McCain in the November election. All of the speakers continued to remind people that McCain was tortured as a prisoner of war during the Viet Nam war. It is mentioned so much and so often that it could be argued it seems to be a major reason McCain should be elected. Former New York Mayor and Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani included it in his well-received speech last night. Read Giuliani's message at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/04/08) - The suspenseful wait to see and hear John McCain's vice presidential pick Sarah Palin proved to be both exciting and entertaining on the third scheduled day of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. Palin told about all of the things she is able to juggle while being the mother of five, Governor of the State of Alaska, and a Hockey Mom to boot. The former mayor of a small Alaskan community before becoming Governor nearly two years ago, Palin attacked Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama, and what she inferred are the distorted views of the press. She also said McCain will use the Power of the Veto. Read her speech at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/03/08) - One of the co-stars of the Law and Order television series who tried for the presidency against John McCain during the Republican primary spoke at the Republican National Convention last night. Showing more enthusiasm than he did as a presidential candidate, himself, Fred Thompson essentially told people they need to stand up for a strong military, a mature foreign policy, a free and growing economy, for the values that bind Republicans together and, what he says, keep our nation free, and for McCain, who he reminded people in detail, was tortured as a prisoner of war. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/02/08 - First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain addressed the opening session of the 2008 Republican National Convention at the Saint Paul Xcel Energy Center yesterday. The First Lady and Mrs. McCain's remarks focused on the ongoing relief efforts aimed at assisting the people of the Gulf Coast States. Laura Bush explained that when disasters like Hurricane Gustav take place shared American ideals will always transcend partisanship. Other speakers included Republican National Committee Chairman Robert Duncan, U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), and U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/01/08) - The 2008 Report of the Democratic Platform Committee suggests that Democrats want to make the United States Government and the country less partisan than it has been for decades. The Preamble to the Platform, states that it's time to reach out to Republicans, Independents, and all Americans who hunger for a new direction, and a reason to hope. The Platform indicates Democrats not only want to undo the damage they perceive that the Bush Administration has done, they want to find and enact the ideas that are right for the country and it's citizens. Read the Preamble at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/29/08) - Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama officially accepted his party's nomination last night, during the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. During his acceptance speech Obama made the case for why America cannot afford four more years of what many believe are the failed policies of the George W. Bush Administration. Obama laid out his vision to bring about fundamental change at home and abroad. He reminded the country about the extraordinary promise of America at its best and challenged his supporters to continue to fight for that promise by marching ahead and never looking back. Read Obama's acceptance speech at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/29/08) - U.S. Senator John McCain today announced that he has selected Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate and to serve as his vice president. The McCain campaign says Governor Palin is a tough executive who has demonstrated during her time in short time in office that she is ready to be president. In addition to naming 44 year old Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate against the Obama - Biden ticket, the McCain campaign has released a statement from McCain that calls Barack Obama's nomination acceptance speech last night, misleading. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/28/08) - Former President Bill Clinton, 2004 Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry, and 2008 Vice Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, all say that Barack Obama is Ready to be President. President Bill Clinton trumpeted the idea that when he first ran for the White House job, Republicans then campaigned against him with the idea that he had no experience and was not ready, and, now they are trying to use that tactic against Obama. President Clinton said they were wrong then, and they are wrong now. More on yesterdays (Thursday, August 27th, 2008) speakers at the convention at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/27/08) - Last night the candidate who came in second in the long primary campaign to determine who would be the Democrats presidential candidate on the November 2008 ballot urged her 18 Million primary voters to switch their allegience to Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton told delegates at the Democrats National Convention in Denver, Colorado that her delegates and supporters and Obama's delegates and supporters must unite as a single party with a single purpose. Hillary said it's time to take back the country and no one should sit by the sidelines, because it will take everyone and every vote to make sure it happens. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/25/08) - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America campaign announced that two prominent Republicans will address the Democratic National Convention on Monday, August 25, 2008 and Tuesday, August 26, 2008. Former United States Congressman Jim Leach and Fairbanks Alaska Mayor Jim Whitaker will speak about Barack Obama's record of bringing Republicans, Independents and Democrats together to bring change and his vision for unifying the United States. For more on this story see WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/24/08) - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America campaign have announced additional details surrounding the Monday evening tribute to honor Senator Edward M. Kennedy. His niece, Caroline Kennedy, will speak to his extraordinary work over the last 46 years on behalf of this country, as well as his future plans in the United States Senate. A video tribute, directed by documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Mark Herzog, will also portray his love of country, family, politics and the sea. More about the Democratic National Convention at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/23/08) - Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama has chosen Delaware U.S. Senator Joe Biden to be his running mate in their Democratic bid to defeat Republican rival Arizona U.S. Senator John McCain in November on the way to the White House. Many talking heads on television and radio had narrowed it down to Biden as the logical choice for Obama in on-air discussions during the past few weeks. Following the so-called vetting process, Barack Obama has come to the same conclusion. Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Herb Kohl calls Obama-Biden an exciting ticket. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/13/08) - United States Congressional leaders from both parties have condemned the Russian invasion of the country of Georgia. Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives call the action by Russia a deplorable outbreak of violence, and want Russia to know that this kind of behavior is not acceptable in the 21st Century. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, House Republican Leader John Boehner, and House Republican Whip Roy Blunt announced that the U.S. Congress is ready to assist the people of Georgia. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/11/08) - With just two weeks to go before the Democratic National Convention officially kicks off, the Wisconsin delegation is fired up and ready to go to Denver, according to Democratic Party Wisconsin (DPW) Chair Joe Wineke. The Wisconsin delegation will consist of 92 delegates and 12 alternates. Wineke says Wisconsin will be one of the top represented states at the Democratic National Convention August 25th thru the 28th. To see who is going, learn more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/07/08) - Senator Barack Obama holds a 44 percent to 38 percent lead in Wisconsin over Senator John McCain in the presidential race, according to a Wisconsin Policy Research Institute poll of 600 people. Senator Obama leads the race primarily because of a combination of the most important issues on the minds of voters and the impact of President Bush and the voter’s view about the direction of the country. The economy, jobs, and the war in Iraq are on top of the list of concerns among Wisconsin residents. The results show Obama favored two to one to come up with favorable solutions. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/06/08) - Governor Jim Doyle has announced $983,000 in grants for the Wisconsin Grazing Lands and Conservation Initiative, which protects the land and water of the state through education, technical planning assistance, and research for dairy and livestock farmers. Grazing is a low-cost, environmentally-friendly method of farming that moves animals to a fresh pasture on a regular basis while resting unused pastures so the plants can regrow before being regrazed. To learn more, go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/06/08) - Madison Magazine's August issue online has a gem of a suggestion for the Packer's Brett Favre to do now that he is no longer the likely quarterback for this season. John Roach suggests that Brett should sit down at the kitchen table and apply to be the vice president of the United States. Roach goes on to explain that Favre would get out of the house, and, still get some love from the adoring throngs, but not have the threat of being broken into small pieces every Sunday. Plus, it's inside work. No more frozen tundra. And the smiles of this delightful MVP for VP article continues. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/04/08) - Speaking in Michigan today, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama called the upcoming November election possibly the most important election of a lifetime. Obama suggested that the USA's economy, security, and the future of the planet will depend on the choices made when people vote in November, and the choices made over the next few years will shape the next decade and perhaps the entire century. The U.S. Senator from Illinois said all of the major challenges will hinge on what is done about our addiction to oil. The rest of Obama's words can be found at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/04/08) - U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has recently suggested that House member Chet Edwards of Texas might be a good choice to be Senator Barack Obama's vice presidential running mate. Chet Edwards represents the 17th Congressional District in Texas. He has been elected to the House since 1990, and, among other committees and issues, Chet Edwards is involved in military and veterans affairs. The Texas politician indicates he is pleased the House passed its Fiscal Year 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill in a strong bipartisan vote 409 to 4. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/01/08 - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is hailing congressional passage of legislation that will help make college more affordable for many students. The reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) includes a provision to broaden access to TRIO programs for colleges with branch campuses, such as the UW system, based on legislation Feingold had previously introduced. For more on this story and others check out WisconsinReport.com on the internet. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/30/08) - It looks like both Republican presidential candidate John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama are serious about winning voters during the upcoming November election. Barack Obama and John McCain are airing more advertisements in more media markets than their counterparts did during a comparable period in the 2004 election campaign, according to a University of Wisconsin-Madison study. From June 3, when the primary season ended, through July 26, the two candidates have aired more than 100,000 ads, while only 77,000 ads were aired during the same time period in 2004. More details at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/26/08) - Arizona U.S. Senator John McCain has inched ahead of Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama in Colorado; come within inches in Minnesota and narrowed the gap in Michigan and Wisconsin, according to four simultaneous Quinnipiac (KWIN-up-ee-ack) University polls of likely voters in these battleground states. Voters in each state say energy policy is more important than the war in Iraq, and, most support off-shore oil. By a smaller margin they also support drilling in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge. WisconsinReport.com has more details. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/22/08) - Wisconsin veterans are pointing out U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s strong track record of standing up for troops and veterans. They say they want to set the record straight on a McCain campaign misleading attack ad. The veterans point out that Senator Obama has consistently advocated for finishing the fight in Afghanistan and has been a steadfast ally for veterans and their families. By contrast, the record shows that Senator McCain has opposed critical funding for troops and repeatedly voted against measures to support veterans. See WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/21/08) - American voters oppose same-sex marriage 55 - 36 percent, but they don't want government to get involved in banning the practice, according to a Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pee-ack) University national poll released last week. Democrats support same-sex marriage by a narrow 47 - 43 percent margin, while Republicans oppose it 80 - 14 percent and independent voters oppose it 49 - 43 percent. Women in the survey oppose same-sex marriage 51 - 40 percent and men oppose it 61 - 31 percent. More details are on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/09/08) - Presumptive presidential nominee Barack Obama addressed nearly 10,000 educators Saturday as part of the National Education Association's Representative Assembly. Obama called for overhauling No Child Left Behind, providing adequate resources to educators, and encouraging parental and community involvement. Obama has praised the NEA for its leadership in coming up with what Obama called a Roadmap For Educators, Elected Officials, Policymakers, and others who care about the education of the children of the country. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/08/08) - The Miller Center's National War Powers Commission, co-chaired by former Secretaries of State James A. Baker, III and Warren Christopher, today recommended that Congress repeal the War Powers Resolution of 1973. The Commission suggests that Congress create a new statute that would provide for more meaningful consultation between the president and Congress on matters of war. The Commission notes that there seems to be no cooperation between Congress and the Presidency regarding declaration of War. See WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/03/08) - Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Congress approved the wording of the Declaration on July 4th in that year. It became Independence Day in 1791, and wasn't a federal holiday until 1870 when congress made it an unpaid federal holiday. It became a paid federal holiday in 1941. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/03/08) - Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin and others are credited with being the authors of the Declaration of Independence signed by fifty-six delegates to the Continental Congress. Most people today do not have any idea what is in the Declaration other than the famous preamble that declares that all men are created equal and have the rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. To read the rest of the words in the Declaration of Independence go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/02/08) - Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama has been plagued by a number of attacks on his so-called credibility as a viable candidate to become President of the United States. He tried to move religious leaders, congregations, parishes, and individual church members into his column yesterday (July 1st) by delivering a speech in Zanesville, Ohio. The words he spoke told of how religion has affected his life, his candidacy and the role it should play in the presidency he hopes to be elected to. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/30/08) - Polls are in huge abundance during this presidential election year in the United States, and, they vary from week to week. However, a Wall Street Journal - Washington Post - Quinnepiac University poll deserves mentioning. It shows that Democrat Barack Obama is out in front of Republican John McCain by a hefty margin in Wisconsin, and elsewhere. The poll results, released late last week, was taken before Hillary Clinton gave her speech at Unity, New Hampshire. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/27/08) - Not to be confused with the joint campaign rally appearance by Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in Unity, New Hampshire, a UNITY 2008 Convention in Chicago next month will feature a discussion with Obama and John McCain. The Unity 2008 Convention will be held by Journalists of Color. CNN will broadcast live in prime time the historic discussion with the presumptive presidential nominees July 24th. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/27/08) - Democratic Presidential Primary rivals Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton made a show of unity today (Friday, June 27th) in a community aptly named Unity, New Hampshire. It was the first joint public appearance since what some observers called a divisive Democratic primary race ended. The campaign speeches in Unity was the start of Hillary's assurance she will work toward Obama becoming the next president of the United States, even though for awhile it seemed to some, she might hold a grudge. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/26/08) - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says the State Crime Lab has added additional DNA experts to keep up with the demand. 19 new DNA analysts have completed their rigorous year-long training and certification program to join the team in Madison. In related news, J.B. Van Hollen was recently elected to serve as Chairman of the Midwestern Region of the National Association of Attorneys General. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/24/08) - Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has announced his endorsement and support for Stan Gruszynski in his bid to represent the people of the 36th Assembly district. Gruszynski is stressing the need for northeast Wisconsin to have a greater voice and more influence in the decision-making process in Madison. Gruszynski is re-entering state politics after leaving the Assembly several years ago when he represented Portage County. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/23/08) - The former rivals for the right to become the official Democratic candidate to run on the national presidential election will campaign together in Unity, New Hampshire Friday, June 27th. The location, announced today (Monday, June 23rd), was reportedly chosen for it's symbolic name, and because Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama each received 107 votes in the primary voting there January 8th. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/20/08) - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will address nearly a thousand elected and appointed Latino officials at a national leadership luncheon on Thursday, June 26, at 1:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C. This will be her first major public appearance since suspending her presidential campaign. Presidential Candidates Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are set to be at the same event two days later. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/20/08) - Wisconsin Farm Bureau leaders were in Washington D.C. this week (June 14-18) to lobby lawmakers on pressing issues facing agriculture and give first-hand accounts of flood damage. Immigration, trade agreements, ag exports, and oil drilling inside the USA and offshore, were all hot topics during the visit, which included a tour of the White House. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/18/08) - In this age of the Internet, and the need to protect computer systems from worms, viruses, adware, spyware, and other malware, Jefferson County, Wisconsin has chosen to enlist the help of a California firm's answer. Jefferson County has deployed Fortinet's FortiGate multi-threat security appliances to help secure the county's network infrastructure. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/18/08) - NBC newsman and political commentator Tim Russert, who was slated for burial June 18 after a funeral Mass in Washington, unabashedly witnessed to his Catholic faith, said Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Communications Committee. Archishop Niederaurer said the public host of Meet the Press was loyal to his family, fatherhood and faith in his private life. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/16/08) - A former Stevens Point, Wisconsin area State Assembly Representative is readying himself to re-enter the world of Republican vs. Democrat in Madison. Stan Gruszynski is now a resident of Marinette County and intends to seek the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin Assembly District 36. Prior to moving back to Eastern Wisconsin he represented the 71st Assembly District in Central Wisconsin. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/13/08) - ABC Television News Anchor Charles Gibson has now joined the ranks of NBC's Tim Russert, who passed away of an apparent heart attack while at work today. As the news of Russert's death was being announced on NBC by former anchor Tom Brokow and friends, Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University was presenting its 15th annual Fred Friendly First Amendment Award to ABC's Charles Gibson. Russert had received the award in 2005. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/12/08) - As record gas and food prices, skyrocketing health care costs and the mortgage crisis continue to hammer the economy, the Service Employees International Union's (SEIU) two million members today called on Congress to pass legislation extending jobless benefits. Read more about this news story and others on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/11/08) - The latest Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll shows that Barack Obama is way ahead of John McCain in New York. Based on that, Obama could easily count New York in the win column in November. McCain is 14 percentage points behind Obama, according to the poll of nearly 14 hundred New York State residents. The margin of error is 2.6 percentage points. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/10/08) - Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has requested assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment from this past weekend’s severe weather and flooding. Governor Doyle is expected to seek a Federal Disaster Declaration following the FEMA assessment. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/09/08) - This isn’t exactly the party I’d planned, but I sure like the company, Hillary Clinton said as she started the weekend speech that would signify the end of her try for the presidency. Saturday, June 7th New York U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton officially suspended her presidential primary campaign and asked her 18 Million supporters to get behind Barack Obama. Read Hillary's speech at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/05/08) - Wisconsin Assembly Representative Phil Montgomery (R-Ashwaubenon) says the federal Department of Energy’s Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management made progress toward its overdue legal obligation to secure a federal spent nuclear fuel storage area by submitting a license application to construct the Yucca Mountain repository. Montgomery is the current chair of the Assembly Energy and Utility Committee and served as the chairperson of a 2006 Wisconsin Legislative Council Special Study Committee on Nuclear Power. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will have three years to review the application. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/02/08) - The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation authored by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) to protect cranes throughout North America and the world. The Crane Conservation Act of 2008, H.R. 1771, was passed on May 21, 2008 with strong bipartisan support (304-118). A companion bill authored by Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), S. 1048, is pending in the Senate. The Crane Conservation Act would provide funding to assist in the recovery of several endangered crane species, help enhance international and domestic crane conservation projects, and encourage the Department of Interior to seek input from those involved in crane conservation. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/29/08) - Wisconsin business, unions and individuals have contributed a record $1.5 million in the first 15 months of the 2007-08 election cycle to unregulated groups most of which raise and spend unlimited amounts on negative advertising, mailings and other outside activities in state and national elections, a Wisconsin Democracy Campaign analysis shows. Total Wisconsin contributions to so-called 527 groups between January 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008 shattered the previous high for a comparable period ($1.03 million) between January 2005 and March 2006. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/27/08) - Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is urging Wisconsin lawmakers to address the state's drunk driving problem as they consider law reforms following the outcry from people demanding change. The outrage stems from the April 25, 2008 crash in Oconomowoc that killed a pregnant woman and her daughter by a repeat drunk driver. The offender, Mark Benson, had three prior OWI convictions and was driving impaired on prescription medication without a license when he slammed his SUV into the rear of Jennifer Bukosky's car, killing Jennifer, her unborn child and 10-year old daughter and injuring her son. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/23/08) - The Wisconsin Farmers Union celebrated as word came down that the U.S. Senate had voted to override the president's veto of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 by a vote of 82-13. This came after word that the U.S. House of Representatives vote (316-108) to override the veto may have been invalid due to an inadvertent clerical error, leaving one of the 15 titles incomplete. The error may have caused further delay in passing the bill due to the upcoming holiday weekend. Now Congress plans to vote on the omitted title after its recess. Senator Herb Kohl likes some of the bill. Representative Ron Kind sees room for improvement. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/22/08) - Plagued by a defection of Clinton supporters and white working class voters, Democrat Barack Obama, trails Republican John McCain in Florida and Ohio. However, Obama is six points ahead of McCain in Pennsylvania. That's according to simultaneous Quinnipiac University Swing State polls released today, which also shows Hillary Clinton beating McCain in all three states at this particular point of the presidential election year. No one has been elected President since 1960 without taking two of these three largest swing states in the Electoral College. Margins of error and time might change the actual results of the November election. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/21/08) - During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with executives representing the nation’s five largest oil companies, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl said his No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act (NOPEC) will send a message to oil producers. The bill will permit the Department of Justice to bring actions against foreign states – such as members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) – for collusive practices in setting the price or limiting the production of oil. The NOPEC bill has bi-partisan co-sponsorship, including Arlen Specter, Chuck Grassley, Russ Feingold Barbara Boxer, and others. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/19/08) - Governor Jim Doyle has announced the appointment of State Senator Roger Breske of Eland, Wisconsin as the new Commissioner of Railroads. Breske’s term will begin June 4, 2008 and expire on March 1, 2011. Breske will leave the State Senate after 18 years to take the job as Commissioner of Railroads. Senator Breske will supervise five staffers in his new position. The office oversees a variety of highway rail crossing issues involving more than 4,000 crossings over public roadways throughout Wisconsin. Democrat Breske's appointment leaves the 12th State Senate District without an incumbent. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/17/08) - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen met friday, May 16, 2008 with law enforcement leaders, elected officials, community leaders, judges, and public safety officials from throughout Portage County at a law enforcement roundtable hosted by State Senator Julie Lassa and State Representative Louis Molepske, Jr. Topics discussed included internet crimes against children, prosecutor shortages, juvenile justice, alcohol and other drug addiction treatment program needs, and public safety funding. WisconsinReport.com, the place to read about people, places, politics, events and activities that matter, has more on this story. (read more)...
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. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/15/08) - Democratic presidential primary frontrunner Barack Obama is gaining even more momentum following the Wednesday (May 14, 2008) endorsement of former candidate John Edwards. The United Steelworkers union endorsed Barack Obama for president Thursday, which should help attract more Democratic blue-collar workers. Others endorsing Obama the day after Edwards, include, United States Congressman Jim McDermott of the State of Washington, Congressional Representatives Henry Waxman and Howard Berman of California, and Communications Workers of America President, Larry Cohen. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/14/08) - The College Democrats of America (CDA) President and Vice President have endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States. They cited his ability to inspire young voters to become a part of the political process, and the record numbers of young voters who have come out to the polls during this election season. CDA President Lauren Wolfe said they reached out to college students nationwide through Facebook, MySpace and YouTube and the responses were overwhelmingly in favor of Barack Obama. Wolfe says millions of students are ready for the change Obama represents. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/06/08) - Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) is urging his Senate colleagues to support a national affordable housing trust fund to help create affordable housing for families facing severe housing costs around the country. In a letter to the Senate Banking Committee, Feingold called on the committee to pass the bipartisan National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 introduced by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) as part of broader housing legislation. The proposal would help low income families by providing housing solutions. WisconsinReport.com has more on this story. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/30/08) - Democratic Presidential hopeful, U.S. Senator Barack Obama, struck a blow April 29th against those who have associated him with attitudes, theories and comments made by his former pastor Reverand Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., senior pastor of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Obama said Wright does not speak for him or for his candidacy, and he found many points made by Wright at the National Press Club breakfast the day before were completely out of line. Obama has disassociated himself from Wright, saying the man who performed at the event was not the man he met twenty years ago. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/28/08) - The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows John McCain and Barack Obama once again tied, with each attracting 46 percent of the vote. However, some people who have witnessed what the last two days have brought into the political process by Reverand Jeremiah Wright of Chicago, wonder if Obama can weather the storm long enough to run against McCain. Wright tried to explain where he was coming from when he spoke before a large group Sunday, and the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Monday morning. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/24/08) - Wisconsin Congressmen Steve Kagen, Democrat, and Tom Petri, Republican, have urged the Bush Administration to halt unfair trade practices by overseas paper manufacturers. In a joint letter to Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, they expressed concerns over the swift entry of unusually low-priced imports of lightweight thermal paper (LWTP) into the U.S. market from China and Germany. Similarly, an influx of coated free sheet paper from foreign producers will lead to the closing of an entire paper plant in Niagara, WI and a loss of papermaking jobs in Kimberly, WI. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/15/08) - Wondering whether Hillary Clinton stays on the straight and narrow concerning the facts in her stories, and whether Barack Obama returns to the message of Hope, Change, Yes We Can, and the Feel Good feeling voters get from his message? The ABC Television Network is providing another debate between the two Democrats seeking the White House tomorrow night (Weds. April 16, 2008) so primary voters in Pennsylvania and remaining primary states can gain insight into which will be the best choice to be on the Democratic ticket in November. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/14/08) - U.S. Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) have introduced the Illegal Garnishment Prevention Act. The bill would prevent the U.S. Department of Treasury from using direct deposit for Social Security beneficiaries until they put a stop to the illegal garnishment of government benefits from the bank accounts of private citizens. It is already illegal to have banks deduct money from federal funds in personal bank accounts to turn over to creditors, but, it is taking place anyway far too often. This bill starts a process to make it less likely to happen. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/11/08) - The Dunn County Republican Party annual Lincoln Day Dinner keynote speaker will by Scott Harold Southworth who was recently honored as a CNN Hero. Major Southworth, who currently serves as Juneau County District Attorney, is also a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. After serving in the Military Police in Iraq, Southworth returned to Iraq to adopt a disabled Iraqi orphan. The Southworth story has been told to Montel Williams, Oliver North, and others on television. He is also remembered for the Supreme Court Southworth Decision. The Dinner will be held April 26th at the Whitetail Golf Course, Colfax. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/09/08) - Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama is catching up with New York U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary and now trails 50 - 44 percent among likely primary voters, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released April 8th. This compares to a 50 - 41 percent Sen. Clinton lead in an April 2nd poll by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN uh-pe-ack) University. Comparing the polls released a week apart, Obama is gaining in most demographic categories in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Democratic Primary will be held April 22nd. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/07/08) - U.S.News and World Report has published the 2009 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools, available on the U.S. News website. Examining more graduate programs than ever before, this year’s edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools is the most comprehensive guide to graduate schools across the country. The guide contains the exclusive rankings of over 1,500 graduate school programs in categories such as business, education, engineering, law, and medicine. The University of Wisconsin - Madison shows up as high as 12th in category rankings. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/04/08) - New York Senator Hillary Clinton holds a 50 - 41 percent lead over Illinois Sen. Barack Obama among likely Pennsylvania Democratic primary voters and runs better against Arizona Sen. John McCain, the likely Republican nominee in Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio, according to a recent Quinnipiac University poll. This compares to a 53 - 41 percent lead in a March 18 survey by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University of Hamden, Connecticut. Pennsylvania is one of three of the biggest so-called Swing States surveyed by the school. The others are Florida and Ohio. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/03/08) - Fourteen administration officials and airport representatives gathered Wednesday in a closed meeting to explain to Congressional Representative Tom Petri of Wisconsin why 204 Marines and soldiers returning from Iraq were barred from the Oakland, California airport terminal on September 27th, 2007. The military personnel felt slighted when they were deplaned onto a grass median between runways instead of allowed to taxi to the terminal and deplane there. Officials said it was a mistake and not an insult, and measures are being taken to prevent it from happening again. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/02/08) - Partisan politics is still going strong in the state of Wisconsin, according to comments made by Republican Party of Wisconsin chairman Reince Priebus following the Spring Election, April 1st 2008. Wisconsin conservatives are claiming what they call convincing victories, replacing Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler, taking away Governor Doyle’s Frankenstein Veto power and winning key local government races including Scott Walker’s win in Milwaukee County. Butler, meanwhile, is concerned about the negative advertising of his opponent and groups outside of Judge Michael Gableman's campaign. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/01/08) - After hearing presentations by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Minority Leader John Boehner, members of the Veterans Affairs committee, the Secretaries of the Army and Veterans Affairs, and Wisconsin veterans took steps April 1st, 2008 to ensure the well-being and health care of United States fighting men and women, past and present, are on solid ground. Department Commander David A. Kurtz led a delegation of Wisconsin members of The American Legion to Washington to fight for funding to care for the nation’s veterans of past wars and to protect benefits for those now serving. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/31/08) - The Wisconsin Green Party members have chosen to support a woman to be the Green Party candidate for President of the United States. Cynthia McKinney received an overwhelming majority of votes cast in the Wisconsin Green Party Presidential Preference Primary during the weekend. McKinney received 79 percent of the Wisconsin Green Party primary votes. Kent Mesplay received 10 percent of the votes. Ralph Nader received 5 percent of the votes as a write in. Nader has been courted to be the Green Party national candidate, however, he is not on the official Green Party primary ballots. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/29/08) - The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (GAB) is predicting a twenty percent turnout, or approximately 875,000 voters, to participate in the Tuesday, April 1st Spring Election. The election will include a state Supreme Court race and a statewide referendum regarding limiting the Governor’s veto power. The choices for Supreme Court are current Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler, and, Burnett County Judge Mike Gableman. There have been numerous, contentious commercials from both Supreme Court candidates' and from third parties. Tuesday it will be up to voters to decide what and who they believe. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/24/08) - A Wisconsin Assembly Representative who counts legislation about organ donation, drug assistance for seniors, and working on a statewide spending cap, as meaningful during the time he has served in the Assembly, is retiring. 57th Assembly District Representative Steve Wieckert has decided to not seek re-election this year. Republican Weickert is from the Appleton area, and expects to return to work there upon his retirement from public service. Wieckert is currently Assembly Housing Committee chairperson, and part of the narrow Republican majority in the Assembly. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/21/08) - The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin is encouraging all Wisconsin legislators to say no to Real ID. The ACLU position is that Real ID is an expensive, pointless, and overly invasive federal mandate. When President George W. Bush signed the Real ID Act a couple of years ago, it became mandatory that states become involved. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation currently must comply with Real ID rules by 2010. Even though Real ID is a federal law, states must finance the Real ID program, so the Wisconsin legislature is considering ways to do that. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/20/08) - While many people in Wisconsin and the rest of the United States are spending time this week to protest the Iraq War on the 5th anniversary of U.S. involvement there, others are patting the military on the back for doing what their Commander In Chief has been requiring them to do. Democratic Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq by thanking local veterans in Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District. The Congressman was joined by six veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan who commented on the experience. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/19/08) - The war in Iraq is costing Wisconsin residents alone, millions of dollars, no, billions of dollars, with a B, since the beginning of the hostile action five years ago. A group called Citizen Action of Wisconsin, estimates that in 2008, Wisconsin's share of the war will be One-Point-Three Billion additional dollars. The 2008 amount is based on Bush Administration and military proposals for additional outlays of funds to be funneled into the effort in Iraq this year. A report issued today shows what Wisconsin governments and citizens could have gained locally if that money wasn't going into the war. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/19/08) - The convergence of the 5th anniversary of Shock and Awe with Christian Holy Week and Iraq Moratorium Number 7 has sparked hundreds of antiwar actions across the country, and three dozen in Wisconsin, this week. There are events scheduled today in Madison, Minoqua, LaCrosse, Appleton, Webster, Kenosha and Wisconsin Rapids. This weekend, additional events are to be held in Sheboygan, Racine, Viroqua, Wausau, Hayward, Madison, Janesville, Dodgeville, Ripon, Milwaukee, Fort Atkinson, as well as DeKalb and Duluth. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/19/08) - Today, March 19, 2008, marks the five-year anniversary of President Bush deploying American soldiers to Iraq. United States Congressional Representative Ron Kind from LaCrosse, Wisconsin (D-WI) remembers that the Bush Administration had predicted the war could be undertaken at a far less cost than it has turned out to be. Instead of Billions of Dollars, the cost has evolved into many Hundreds of Billions of Dollars. Dollars that critics point out, will have to be paid back to financial institutions and foreign countries by our children, grandchildren, and babies yet to be born. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/18/08) - Democratic Presidential Primary candidate Barack Obama spoke in Pennsylvania today to answer concerns about his association with Pastor Jeramiah Wright, who was Obama's minister in the Chicago area until Wright's retirement. Obama repeated that he condemns Reverand Wright's remarks in Wright's church sermon. He also said Pastor Wright was more than just the remarks that radio and tv talkers, and others, black and white, have been appalled about, and, he said he would not disown Pastor Wright, nor should he. He also said his candidacy should not be judged by Wright's remarks, nor by those made by Hillary Clinton supporter Geraldine Ferraro. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/17/08) - Granite Broadcasting Corporation has announced that each of its 23 stations in the United States, including the Duluth-Superior area, will continue its tradition of providing free air time to qualified, major candidates running for public office during the 2008 general election. First established in 1998, this Granite Broadcasting Corporation program is designed to serve the public interest by facilitating an open and vigorous exchange of ideas. The Granite Broadcasting Corporation Duluth-Superior area stations are KBJR-NBC6, KRII-Range11, KDLH-CBS3, and My9. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/15/08) - A Wisconsin Congressional Representative from the Northeastern part of the state was in Philedelphia yesterday (March 14, 2008) to tell medical personnel that Constitutional rights should apply to health care. Congressman Steve Kagen, who is also a doctor, declared that to guarantee access to affordable care, it's important to end discrimination in health insurance. Kagen spoke at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) in Philadelphia, PA. Before being elected to Congress, Dr. Kagen founded the Kagen Allergy Clinics in Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/13/08) - When Wisconsin voters go to their polling places in April, among other things, they will be voting on a statewide referendum affecting the so-called partial veto that has been exercised from time to time by Governors from both sides of the aisle. The veto power of Wisconsin’s governor is one of the nation’s strongest, but a question on the April 1 ballot asks voters if that power should be limited. In addition to selecting a supreme court justice, voters will be asked if they want to amend the state constitution to limit the governor’s partial veto authority. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/13/08) - The Wisconsin State Assembly passed what is called a Budget Repair Bill Wednesday night, March 12th. Democratic Majority Leader in the Wisconsin Senate, Senator Russ Decker of Weston, Wisconsin, is calling the so-called Budget Repairs, Bush Budgeting At It's Worst. Decker suggests the Republican controlled State Assembly is favoring Wal-Mart over school kids, other businesses and residents of the state in some of the items included in the Budget Repair Bill. Wisconsin Assembly Republicans currently outnumber Democrats 52 to 47. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/07/08) - The Barack Obama for President of the United States campaign is continuing to do an outstanding job of raising money. Barack supporters donated more than $55 million to his campaign in the month of February. That's about 20 million dollars more than Hillary Clinton's campaign gathered during the same month. And, although Hillary Clinton has won three out of the last four Democratic primary battles, Obama has won 27 of 41 contests and has maintained a lead among pledged delegates. The Obama campaign figures indicate Barack still has a lead of about 150 delegates going into the next round of primary contests. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/05/08) - The dust is settling on the March 4th presidential primaries. John McCain has now won enough delegates to become the Republican candidate in the November election, and, Mike Huckabee has bowed out of the Republican primary race graciously. On the Democrats side, the excitement and uncertainty continues. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in Rhode Island, Ohio and Texas, while Barack Obama won Vermont. But, Obama is still ahead of Hillary Clinton in delegates acquired to date, including the second place finishes in Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island. So the close battle between Hillary and Barack goes on. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/03/08) - Jenna Bush will keynote the Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) organization’s 21st Annual Scholarship Recognition Banquet on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. Jenna Bush,the daughter of President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush, became an inspirational international child rights advocate during her internship with UNICEF in 2006. Jenna Bush joins the ranks of Elizabeth Edwards, Donna Shalala, Mary Matalin, and many other famous women who have spoken at the annual event in the past. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/03/08) - A Wisconsin judge is challenging a state provision that does not allow judges to be members of the political party of his or her choice. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge John Siefert has filed a constitutional challenge in federal court in Madison against a Wisconsin regulation barring judges from belonging to political parties. Judges are elected in Wisconsin on a non-partisan basis, and a provision of the Wisconsin Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits individuals from belonging to a political party while serving as a judge or running for judicial office. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/03/08) - Long before there was a United States, town government was active in America. By the early 1800s, New Englanders had brought it to Wisconsin. Today, Wisconsin is one of only 14 states outside New England with town government, according to a new report from the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX), a nonprofit public-policy research organization dedicated to citizen education. According to the WISTAX report, Wisconsin’s 1,259 towns (as of January 2007) cover approximately 94 percent of the state’s 54,310 square miles and are home to 30 percent of our population. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/29/08) - There will be a debate in Madison between the two candidates running for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The one hour debate will take place March 25th between Justice Louis Butler and Judge Michael Gableman. It will be held at the State Bar Center in Madison. Space is limited and free tickets are required to attend the reception and the debate. The event will also be simultaneously webcast on WisBar.org and will be rebroadcast on cable systems in various communities statewide by Wisconsin Eye. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/29/08) - Around the time that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that he definitely will not be running for president of the United States in 2008, a college in New York State was taking a survey to determine how many votes Bloomberg would get if he were a third party candidate. Results in three of the biggest states showed that Bloomberg would have received no more than nine percent of the votes in Florida, Ohio and Pensylvania. Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University also discovered that Bloomberg would likely take votes away from McCain. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/28/08) - In a move that brings Wisconsin closer than ever to implementing comprehensive campaign finance reform, the Senate Committee on Campaign Finance Reform, Rural Issues and Information Technology today passed Special Session Bill 1, which was introduced as part of Governor Doyle’s call for a special session on campaign finance reform. The bill is a combination of several proposals, including SB 12, which was offered by Senators John Erpenbach of Middleton and Mike Ellis of Neenah, and SB 171, which was authored by committee chairman Senator Pat Kreitlow of Chippewa Falls. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/28/08) - State Assembly Democrats yesterday rallied in support of an amendment written by Senator Spencer Coggs to divest Wisconsin from companies doing business with Sudan’s government. The argument for the amendment to Assembly Bill 623 points out that companies such as PetroChina give Sudan’s government ready access to the funds they need to continue committing unspeakable atrocities in Darfur. The Assembly Bill seeks to modernize the investment standards of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/28/08) - A student at the University of Hawaii is the official one-millionth person to donate to the Barack Obama for President campaign. The campaign had been hoping to reach that magic number during the primary season, and have now proved that hope does become reality. An Obama campaign spokesperson indicates that no other campaign has ever reached one million donors while still in a competitive primary. The total number of donors is on its way to an even larger number. At this writing, more than one-million-14-thousand people have contributed to Obama's campaign treasury. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/26/08) - Universal Pictures has committed to shoot portions of its upcoming film Public Enemies in Wisconsin. The motion picture will be directed and produced by University of Wisconsin alumnus Michael Mann and star Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. The company reached agreement today with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce on tax credits from the new Film Production Services Tax Credit Program. The movie script, director and actors, will bring to life the story of John Dillinger who robbed banks and was hunted by the FBI in the 1930s. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/22/08) - Democrat Barack Obama spent more than twice as much money on TV advertising in Wisconsin than all other candidates combined in the Wisconsin Presidential Primary and nearly five times as much as Hillary Clinton. The Obama campaign enjoyed a massive advantage in spots aired. Obama campaign commercials were on the air a full week earlier than Clinton. Obama aired his first Wisconsin ad one day after Super Tuesday, while the first Clinton ad did not appear until February 12. The wise campaign choices and stimulating speeches paid off big time for Obama, catapulting him further in the lead in the battle of primaries. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/22/08) - Bush Administration claims that so-called competitive sourcing in the U.S. Forest Service saved money, are based on shoddy and misleading accounting, according to findings of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit released this week. The report indicates that Competitive Sourcing forces either the outsourcing of federal employees’ jobs or radical internal downsizing and reorganization. The National Federation of Federal Employees is giving credit to a Wisconsin Congressional Delegation for helping to reign in the wasteful spending. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/21/08) - Democrats Abroad has announced that Senator Barack Obama has won the organization's Global Primary. Democrats Abroad is the official overseas branch of the U.S. Democratic Party. Obama received the yes nod from nearly 66 percent of the Democrats Abroad primary participants. Hillary Clinton received nearly 33 percent of those voting. The results mean that Obama will receive 2 and a half delegates, and Hillary will get 2 delegates. The final delegate votes per candidate will be determined later. In all, 22 delegates will be sent to the Colorado national convention, each with a half vote. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/21/08) - The two, remaining, serious contenders for the Democratic Nominee for President of the USA, will debate tonight in a nineteenth debate of the lengthy primary campaign season. New York U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton and Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama will answer questions in a one on one debate in Austin, Texas. The event will be moderated by Campbell Brown of CNN and carried live on CNN, CNN International and CNN.com from 7 to 8:30 pm Central Time. The debate will also air in Spanish on Univision at 10:30 p.m. Central Time. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/21/08) - Democratic National Committee Member Jason Rae endorsed Barack Obama for president today. Rae, a twenty-one year old college student from Wisconsin, who has been receiving a lot of media attention, is the youngest superdelegate in the country. Rae cited Barack Obama's ability to bring new people, including record numbers of young voters, into the political process. Those qualities were attributes that became quite evident in the Wisconsin Presidential Primary earlier this week when Obama won the majority of votes in the ninth state in a row, adding Hawaii, for the 10th state, later in the day. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/21/08) - Outsourcing government jobs to private companies may not be saving taxpayers money, as had been promised by the Bush administration. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released an audit, requested by Wisconsin's U.S. Senators Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl, and several other senators, on the competitive sourcing program at the United State Forest Service (USFS). The administration had promoted the outsourcing plan as a way to cut down on government spending, but, because complete data is not available, saving money in this instance, is unknown. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/20/08) - Hello, Youngstown, how are you tonight, Hillary Clinton asked a crowd of people in Ohio last night shortly after the cable news channels had all declared her opponent Barack Obama the presidential primary winner in Wisconsin shortly after the polling places closed. Clinton was already moving on in her campaign for the Democratic nomination to be on the November ballots, hoping to change the trend going toward Obama. Obama won 58 percent of the Wisconsin votes, compared to Hillary Clinton's 41 percent. Obama has now won the last ten primaries. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/20/08) - Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama gained a larger lead in Democratic delegates following yesterday's win over Hillary Clinton in the presidential primary races. Unofficial counts today show Obama with 1168 delegates gained from primaries and cacuses held so far. Hillary Clinton has 1018 delegates, without including Super Delegates. That means that Obama is now about 150 regular delegates ahead of Hillary, following the 59 to 41 percent Wisconsin win over the U.S. Senator from New York. After strong campaigning in Wisconsin, Obama spoke to an audience of 19,000 in Houston, Texas. WisconsinReport.com has more.
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