Bill Lueders

Recent Articles

Your Right to Know: Protect The Press From Bogus Lawsuits
Your Right to Know

Protect The Press From Bogus Lawsuits

Legal costs can put publications out of business. Other states' laws help stop this.

Op Ed: This Is First Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court In Living Memory
Op Ed

This Is First Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court In Living Memory

Media says court was liberal 15 years ago. Dead wrong. This is a radical change.

Your Right To Know: Opee Awards Honor Open Records Champions
Your Right To Know

Opee Awards Honor Open Records Champions

And chastise those who block transparency.

Dan Kelly Makes His Case for High Court

Dan Kelly Makes His Case for High Court

'Where do our rights come from?' asks former state Supreme Court justice. 'God!'

Your Right to Know: Public Still Paying for Gableman Probe
Your Right to Know

Public Still Paying for Gableman Probe

Taxpayers paying for court fights by Vos and Republicans to hide records, pushing total cost to $2 million.

Vote, Your Neighbors Are Watching, GOP Flyer Warns

Vote, Your Neighbors Are Watching, GOP Flyer Warns

A 'creepy' Republican ploy 'to guilt-trip residents of a long-term care facility into voting.'

Your Right to Know: Open Records Law Treated With Contempt
Your Right to Know

Open Records Law Treated With Contempt

Both Vos and Gableman cited for contempt of court for trashing open records law.

Could Sleepy State Office Nix Wisconsin’s Pick for President?

Could Sleepy State Office Nix Wisconsin’s Pick for President?

GOP candidate for Secretary of State says job gives veto power over presidential election.

Op Ed: Open Records Imperiled in Wisconsin
Op Ed

Open Records Imperiled in Wisconsin

Led by Robin Vos, public officials more likely to obstruct open records requests.

Your Right to Know: State Lawmakers Want Records of Misconduct Hidden
Your Right to Know

State Lawmakers Want Records of Misconduct Hidden

Assembly members are fighting to keep personal misconduct records confidential.

Your Right to Know: Open Records Fees Discourage Government Transparency
Your Right to Know

Open Records Fees Discourage Government Transparency

Public record custodians can charges thousands of dollars to process a public records request.

Your Right to Know: Both Parties Delay on Open Records
Your Right to Know

Both Parties Delay on Open Records

Long delays by state officials to open records requests have been the norm for the last decade.

Op Ed: Remembering Mark Anthony Role
Op Ed

Remembering Mark Anthony Role

Late great Native American writer from Wisconsin leaves a legacy of thoughtful columns.

Your Right to Know: More Police Transparency Needed
Your Right to Know

More Police Transparency Needed

Law allows unnecessary delays for release of data.

Your Right To Know: Public Bodies Find New Ways to Meet
Your Right To Know

Public Bodies Find New Ways to Meet

State and local governments meeting virtually; no complaints from public about access.

Supreme Decision

Supreme Decision

Karofsky v. Kelly, stakes are high in state Supreme Court race.

Your Right to Know: Opee Awards For Open Records Leaders
Your Right to Know

Opee Awards For Open Records Leaders

Plaudits for Abrahamson, others. A “Nopee” for secretive state Legislature.

Op Ed: Robin Vos Stonewalls on Public Records
Op Ed

Robin Vos Stonewalls on Public Records

John Q. Public can’t get anything from Assembly Speaker

Op Ed: Evers Should Get Religion on Open Records
Op Ed

Evers Should Get Religion on Open Records

Recent statements and foot dragging by governor’s staff raise questions about transparency.

Op Ed: ‘Shhh! It’s a Secret…’
Op Ed

‘Shhh! It’s a Secret…’

Legislators’ refusal to release records violates law, requires legal challenges.

Your Right to Know: Evers Can Do Better On Openness
Your Right to Know

Evers Can Do Better On Openness

Evers Administration excludes right-wing news service from receiving media notifications and shutdown a website to track open records requests.

About Those UW Free Speech Violations

About Those UW Free Speech Violations

Not one violation on 26 campuses of UW Regents’ policy. But legislators want to pass tough law.

State Agencies Give Zero Days for Comment

State Agencies Give Zero Days for Comment

Evers Administration uses lame duck law to make policy changes with no chance for public comments.

Op Ed: Racine Officials Hid Public Records
Op Ed

Racine Officials Hid Public Records

And spent $18,000 in taxpayer dollars to do it. The public trust has been violated.

Your Right To Know: Check Candidates’ Stance on Open Records
Your Right To Know

Check Candidates’ Stance on Open Records

If they want your vote, shouldn’t they support transparency in government?

Your Right to Know: Don’t Chip Away at Open Records Law
Your Right to Know

Don’t Chip Away at Open Records Law

Access to public information should not be limited based on who's requesting it.

Your Right to Know: Opees Honor Good Deeds and Bad
Your Right to Know

Opees Honor Good Deeds and Bad

Freedom of Information Council's awards go to Gov. Walker and several journalists.

Your Right to Know: New Battles Over Open Records
Your Right to Know

New Battles Over Open Records

Suits by citizens now trying to restrict public information.

Your Right to Know: Legislators Can Destroy Public Records
Your Right to Know

Legislators Can Destroy Public Records

Because they exempted themselves from the open records law they passed.

Your Right to Know: Public’s Trust Abused on Police Videos
Your Right to Know

Public’s Trust Abused on Police Videos

Flynn, Barrett gave misleading statements on Sylville Smith video, yet it still hasn’t been released.

Your Right to Know: Some Legislators Still Crave Secrecy
Your Right to Know

Some Legislators Still Crave Secrecy

Some routinely destroy correspondence and other materials, making government less open.

Your Right to Know: A Tough Year for Transparency
Your Right to Know

A Tough Year for Transparency

State leaders have worked to restrict open records and succeeded in several ways.

Your Right to Know: Back Open Government? Prove It!
Your Right to Know

Back Open Government? Prove It!

Assembly voted 96-1 for resolution backing open government, but legislators continue to look for ways to limit it.

Your Right to Know: Legislators’ Shocking Attack on Open Government
Your Right to Know

Legislators’ Shocking Attack on Open Government

Budget provision with no author will decimate open records rules for legislature. It will pass unless there is an outcry from legislators.

Your Right to Know: UW Shouldn’t Hide Finalist Names
Your Right to Know

UW Shouldn’t Hide Finalist Names

Provision slipped into budget allows universities to hide names of top candidates for key positions. No other state agencies enjoy this exemption.

How Political Money Corrupts

How Political Money Corrupts

A columnist says goodbye with thoughts about our money-driven political system and what can be done about it.

State Public Employment Lowest in 20 Years

State Public Employment Lowest in 20 Years

And yes, those background checks on guns do catch felons.

Did Doe Investigators Trash the Rule of Law?

Did Doe Investigators Trash the Rule of Law?

National Review and Fox News run stories about "fascist midnight raids." Are they right?

State Crackdown on Food Stamp Fraud

State Crackdown on Food Stamp Fraud

12-fold increase in recipients suspended under Walker. Critics assail it as politically motivated.

Walker Has Access to Unlimited Donations

Walker Has Access to Unlimited Donations

By not declaring for presidency he can grab unlimited donations to his "ideas" committee and a separate, super PAC.

New Party For the Politically Homeless?

New Party For the Politically Homeless?

Mike McCabe, former head of WI Democracy Campaign, launches political party that's "neither elephant nor ass."

Prison Guard Fired for Sexually Harassing Inmates

Prison Guard Fired for Sexually Harassing Inmates

State Department of Corrections releases records of this seven months after they were requested.

Did Judge Violate Disclosure Law?

Did Judge Violate Disclosure Law?

Circuit Court judge rules on case involving city police he was paid to give training sessions, yet he didn't disclose this.

Campaign Finance Laws Will Be Rewritten

Campaign Finance Laws Will Be Rewritten

Court decisions have made them outdated. Some fear new rules will allow unlimited spending.

Did Walker Cave In to Hunting Lobby?

Did Walker Cave In to Hunting Lobby?

Chronic Wasting Disease in deer is at all-time high because of changes in how DNR handles it.

Do Voters Support Republican Policies?

Do Voters Support Republican Policies?

On some bills, yes. On others, no.

Battle Over Iron Mine Leaves Scars

Battle Over Iron Mine Leaves Scars

The battle "tore the community apart" for mine that was never going to happen, Jauch charges.

Justice Bradley Has Republican-Leaning Challenger

Justice Bradley Has Republican-Leaning Challenger

April election pits 20-year liberal incumbent against circuit court judge getting Republican Party support.

Campaign Lies Difficult to Prosecute

Campaign Lies Difficult to Prosecute

Law against flagrantly false campaign ads makes prosecution difficult.

Walker’s Christmas Tree Budget

Walker’s Christmas Tree Budget

The budget has a flock of non-financial items -- 58 in all -- that will quietly change state polices.

Your Right to Know: Don’t Let UW Hide Research Records
Your Right to Know

Don’t Let UW Hide Research Records

Walker's budget adds a blanket exemption that would allow UW to deny public record requests on controversial research, conflicts of interest or how tax dollars are spent.

Lobbyists Spent $57.5 Million on 2013-’14 Legislative Session

Lobbyists Spent $57.5 Million on 2013-’14 Legislative Session

That's about $150,000 for each of the 380 bills that became law.

Did Sen. Tiffany Lie On Political Fliers?

Did Sen. Tiffany Lie On Political Fliers?

Northwoods dispute over local elections leads to legal complaint filed against the Republican legislator.

Controversy Over Assembly Members Per Diems

Controversy Over Assembly Members Per Diems

Is the 56% increase in legislators' daily expenses "outrageous" or overdue?

The “We Hate Shirley” Amendment

The “We Hate Shirley” Amendment

Republicans' constitutional amendment to end seniority as method to choose chief justice is a shot at Shirley Abrahamson, opponents argue.

State Spending on Outside Services Soars

State Spending on Outside Services Soars

Spending on outside contracts was $451 million in 2014, up 56% since 2010, when Gov. Walker took office.

Gun Homicides: Milwaukee Has Two-Thirds of State’s Gun Killings
Gun Homicides

Milwaukee Has Two-Thirds of State’s Gun Killings

76 of 111 victims in 2014 were in Milwaukee. Blacks were 20 times more likely to die in gun homicides.

Walker Sees End to Massive Spending on Gov’s Race

Walker Sees End to Massive Spending on Gov’s Race

The 2014 race and its total of $60 million in campaign donations, won't be repeated, he assures reporter.

Walker Won’t Rule Out Signing Right to Work

Walker Won’t Rule Out Signing Right to Work

In a wide-ranging interview Tuesday with WCIJ, governor declines to take a stand on numerous issues.

Twas A Night In Wisconsin

Twas A Night In Wisconsin

Tis the season for a wry, poetic reflection on Wisconsin politics.

State Fights Plan to Cut Carbon Emissions

State Fights Plan to Cut Carbon Emissions

Plan would cut emissions by 34% and costs for state, Walker administration figures show. So why the resistance?

Cruel and Unusual: State Prisons Reducing Use of Solitary Confinement?
Cruel and Unusual

State Prisons Reducing Use of Solitary Confinement?

New policy outlined by state official says prisoner "segregation" not effective for disciplining or rehabilitating inmates.

The Long Arms of Scott Jensen

The Long Arms of Scott Jensen

Former Assembly Speaker, now a school choice lobbyist, targeted six Democrats with negative ads that never mentioned the issue.

The Wealth of Wisconsin’s Senate & House Members

The Wealth of Wisconsin’s Senate & House Members

10 members of state's congressional delegation worth between $54 million and $171 million, new research group shows.

GAB Judges Return Fire Against Vos

GAB Judges Return Fire Against Vos

They defend GAB leader Kevin Kennedy, criticize Vos and say no legislative changes in ethics and elections board are needed.

Under the Influence: Advocates Say State Not Serious About Drunken Driving
Under the Influence

Advocates Say State Not Serious About Drunken Driving

Four members of state task force on drunk driving resigned, calling it "a hollow process." Meanwhile legislative bills on issue have gone nowhere. Second story in a series.

GOP Had More Campaign Cash — And Votes

GOP Had More Campaign Cash — And Votes

Republican victories weren't about redistricting, but about more votes. But they did have a huge cash advantage.

Under the Influence: Why Wisconsin Has Weak Laws on Drunken Driving
Under the Influence

Why Wisconsin Has Weak Laws on Drunken Driving

Legislators reject tougher penalties, even for repeat offenders. First of a series.

Walker Has Huge Cash Advantage

Walker Has Huge Cash Advantage

He's raised $24.5 million compared to Burke's $15.5 million, with twice as much of his donations coming from out of state.

Billionaire Sheldon Adelson Gives $650,000 to State GOP

Billionaire Sheldon Adelson Gives $650,000 to State GOP

Most of last minute campaign donation may go to Gov. Walker, who made trip to Las Vegas to woo the casino magnate.

38,000 TV Ads in Governor’s Race

38,000 TV Ads in Governor’s Race

And still rising, with percentage of negative ads higher than in nearly any state, study shows.

How Rivals for Governor, Attorney General Would Handle Drunken Driving

How Rivals for Governor, Attorney General Would Handle Drunken Driving

Only Burke calls for making first-offense OWI a crime in Wisconsin.

Pols Raise Cash Behind Closed Doors

Pols Raise Cash Behind Closed Doors

Both parties have ever-more secret fundraisers attended by lobbyists and insiders who influence state policy.

Wisconsin Lags on Alternative Energy

Wisconsin Lags on Alternative Energy

Conservative businessman Matt Neumann blasts Republicans for state's "rotten" record on renewable energy.

Underdogs for Congress

Underdogs for Congress

Only one congressional race is (barely) competitive in Wisconsin. The seven incumbents have a 14-1 advantage in campaign cash.

State Falls Behind on Energy Conservation

State Falls Behind on Energy Conservation

Walker administration is years behind in enacting new energy conservation standards for buildings. Second in a series.

Walker Administration Lets Building and Safety Codes Slip

Walker Administration Lets Building and Safety Codes Slip

Critics say anti-regulatory bent means state hasn't addressed potential hazards and adapted cost-saving advances. First of a series.

Dispensergate?

Dispensergate?

State comes clean on alleged soap dispenser scandal.

Mike McCabe Blasts Both Parties

Mike McCabe Blasts Both Parties

“We have one party that is scary and another that is scared,” writes Mike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, in his new book.

Cruel and Unusual: Lawmakers Demand Response to Allegations of Inmate Abuse
Cruel and Unusual

Lawmakers Demand Response to Allegations of Inmate Abuse

Milwaukee Democrats call on the Department of Corrections to respond to allegations of abuse at Waupun Correctional Institution.

Redistricting Success Story?

Redistricting Success Story?

Rep. Amy Loudenbeck’s margin of victory was almost exactly what strategists redrawing the boundaries predicted.

Will TV Political Ads Get More Scrutiny?

Will TV Political Ads Get More Scrutiny?

New FCC rule may make it easer to track the many thousands of ads that will run this fall.

Attorney General Race Could Be a Sizzler

Attorney General Race Could Be a Sizzler

Happ's dramatic victory sets up clash between two county DAs.

Where Does All That Campaign Cash Go?

Where Does All That Campaign Cash Go?

Scott Walker, Mary Burke campaign cash buying more than just ads.

The Biggest Lobbyists in the State

The Biggest Lobbyists in the State

Anti-tax group, Wisconsin Property Taxes Inc. led the way this year, followed by WMC and big hospitals group.

Cruel and Unusual: State Prisons “Routinely Engage in Torture,” Group Claims
Cruel and Unusual

State Prisons “Routinely Engage in Torture,” Group Claims

Faith-based advocacy group asks Gov. Walker to investigate allegations of prisoner abuse at Waupun.

Brett Hulsey’s Crazy Campaign for Governor

Brett Hulsey’s Crazy Campaign for Governor

The unorthodox Democrat says he will be the next governor, but he's invisible in the polls.

Cruel and Unusual: State Officials Rethinking Use of Solitary Confinement
Cruel and Unusual

State Officials Rethinking Use of Solitary Confinement

Other states are reforming. Some argue it's torture. Part 2 of series.

Most of Walker’s Support from Outside Wisconsin

Most of Walker’s Support from Outside Wisconsin

Just 46% of his campaign donations from Wisconsin residents versus 73% for Burke.

Cruel and Unusual: Waupun Prison Guards Accused of Abusing Dozens of Inmates
Cruel and Unusual

Waupun Prison Guards Accused of Abusing Dozens of Inmates

Many of prisoners are from Milwaukee; critics call for an investigation. Part 1 of a series.

John Doe Probe is Not About Good vs. Bad

John Doe Probe is Not About Good vs. Bad

It's really a legal issue that courts must settle: can campaigns coordinate with outside advocacy groups?

Democrats Blast GOP Opponent for Attorney General

Democrats Blast GOP Opponent for Attorney General

Was Brad Schimel lax in prosecuting alleged pay to play or are Democratic AG candidates blowing smoke?

Are John Doe Subjects Still Coordinating?

Are John Doe Subjects Still Coordinating?

Scott Walker says they did nothing wrong. Will he coordinate with "independent" groups in upcoming campaign?

Campaign Coordination With Outside Groups is Common

Campaign Coordination With Outside Groups is Common

Study says Walker's coordination with independent groups doesn't compare to some other states.

Gun Bill Dies Without Shots Being Fired

Gun Bill Dies Without Shots Being Fired

Despite overwhelming support for bill toughening penalties for felony firearms offenses, Alberta Darling and Republicans give up on it.

Two Parties Have Wildly Different Platforms

Two Parties Have Wildly Different Platforms

Annual conventions show Democrats and Republicans now have dramatically different philosophies.

The Changing Legislature

The Changing Legislature

Study finds turnover of lawmakers has increased but challenges in party primaries have greatly declined.

Gun Bills Fail, Shots Fly

Gun Bills Fail, Shots Fly

Chief Flynn implores legislature to pass bill targeting illegal gun possession. Will Republicans respond?

John Doe Ruling Opens Door To Dark Money

John Doe Ruling Opens Door To Dark Money

Wealthy groups with unnamed donors could coordinate campaign ads with candidates they favor.

Lobbyists Oppose Various Bills Limiting Voting

Lobbyists Oppose Various Bills Limiting Voting

Bills with photo ID, limiting absentee voting, making it tougher to register -- got scant support from lobbyists.

Mary Burke, Underdog Millionaire

Mary Burke, Underdog Millionaire

She's raked in $1.8 million but is still far behind Walker in fundraising.

Making Sense of John Doe II

Making Sense of John Doe II

A guide to all the players, issues and judges' rulings.

Republicans Should Retain Legislature This Fall

Republicans Should Retain Legislature This Fall

Democrats hope to retake Senate but their chances don't look good.

Say Goodbye to the Party of Lincoln

Say Goodbye to the Party of Lincoln

State Sen. Dale Schultz retires, shaking his head at how the Republican Party has changed.

Big Money Backfires in Local Elections

Big Money Backfires in Local Elections

Attempts by Koch Brothers and other outsiders to outspend locals and elect friendly parties doesn't work.

The Lobbyist Law Nobody Likes

The Lobbyist Law Nobody Likes

Except the WMC business lobby and Realtors Association, who are glad Walker signed it.

Why Reform of Unemployment Comp Failed

Why Reform of Unemployment Comp Failed

Health care lobbyists kill bill that would have cut program's medical costs.

Why Open Records Are Important

Why Open Records Are Important

Moves to make government records less accessible are well-meant -- but wrong.

Bill Requiring Background Check On Gun Buyers Won’t Pass

Bill Requiring Background Check On Gun Buyers Won’t Pass

92% of poll respondents favor it, but a high percentage of Wisconsin legislators disagree.

Locals Can’t Prevent Huge Broadcast Towers

Locals Can’t Prevent Huge Broadcast Towers

Rule quietly tucked into state budget ends local power to restrict broadcast towers.

Will Grothman Kill Mental Health Reform Bill?

Will Grothman Kill Mental Health Reform Bill?

Bill has overwhelming bipartisan support but Sen. Grothman runs committee that can stall it.

How Walker Handled Open Records Request

How Walker Handled Open Records Request

Emails show his staff irked by requests and responding slowly, except when it benefits Walker.

Why Switch to Nonpartisan Redistricting?

Why Switch to Nonpartisan Redistricting?

Packed meeting at state Capitol hears experts testify on Iowa's system and why it's fairer and cheaper for taxpayers.

$32 Million Spent Lobbying State Legislators in 2013

$32 Million Spent Lobbying State Legislators in 2013

End of year reports also show Walker raised three times more campaign dollars than Burke.

State Hires Company That Screwed-Up Voter Registration System

State Hires Company That Screwed-Up Voter Registration System

Walker administration gives $59 million IT contract to Accenture, which won headlines for its poor work under Doyle.

We Don’t Want Your Stinking Drones

We Don’t Want Your Stinking Drones

A (gasp) bipartisan bill to protect privacy from drones raises interesting issues.

Lawton Takes Aim at Campaign Cash

Lawton Takes Aim at Campaign Cash

Former Lt Governor will run national group pushing for campaign finance reform.

State Spending Now an Open Book

State Spending Now an Open Book

Web site tracking state spending is a font of information, not all of it useful.

Walker’s No-Pardon Stance Is Risky

Walker’s No-Pardon Stance Is Risky

He argues it's a matter of principle not to undermine judicial system. Will the decision hurt him in an election?

Walker Says Campaign Cash Corrupts

Walker Says Campaign Cash Corrupts

At least if it comes from unions. As to other reforms in campaign finance, he's elusive.

Money Flow to Politicians Never Stops

Money Flow to Politicians Never Stops

The past year has seen union coffers decline, while other donors keep the cash coming.

Will Walker Veto Bill on Schools Using Indian Names?

Will Walker Veto Bill on Schools Using Indian Names?

He offers sympathy to both sides while reiterating his goal for job growth.

Talk is Cheap on John Doe Probe

Talk is Cheap on John Doe Probe

Are conservatives trying to smear the investigators probing Walker's reelection campaign and third party groups?

The Legislature’s Unfinished Business

The Legislature’s Unfinished Business

Bills still waiting deal with background checks for gun sales, campaign finance, drone attacks, and woodchuck hunting.

Finally, Something the Parties Agree On

Finally, Something the Parties Agree On

Republican and Democratic legislators both support tax credits to rehab old buildings, but cost could be high.

Citizens Demand Action on Redistricting

Citizens Demand Action on Redistricting

Emails from the public to Republican legislators overwhelmingly support reform, but GOP won't budge.

Walker’s Book is Very Revealing

Walker’s Book is Very Revealing

There are fascinating sections, including Walker giving staff a top ten list ridiculing public workers.

New Bill Would Make Asbestos Suits More Difficult

New Bill Would Make Asbestos Suits More Difficult

GOP legislators say law needed to protect builders, manufacturers from "double dipper" plaintiffs.

Is Republican Reid Ribble a (Gasp) Moderate?

Is Republican Reid Ribble a (Gasp) Moderate?

The state's only GOP member of congress voting to raise debt ceiling explains why.

Will Mary Burke Spend Big?

Will Mary Burke Spend Big?

Democrats hope she'll spend plenty of her personal wealth in the race against Scott Walker, but she's giving mixed signals.

Obamacare Haters Help People Sign Up

Obamacare Haters Help People Sign Up

State's Republican politicians who oppose law are helping enroll their constituents.

An Army of Poll Workers

An Army of Poll Workers

Nearly 35,000 workers handle Wisconsin's elections. GOP wants to tinker with system.

We Want Better Wages!

We Want Better Wages!

Workers pressure Family Dollar for higher wages, right to unionize.

Should Internet Sales Be Taxed?

Should Internet Sales Be Taxed?

Federal bill could yield more than $70 million in annual sales tax for Wisconsin. Walker says he would use for income tax relief.

Wisconsin Ignores Climate Change

Wisconsin Ignores Climate Change

Republicans join Koch Brothers, opposing actions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

We Want Redistricting Reform!

We Want Redistricting Reform!

Newspapers and good government groups across the state are pressing Republicans to adopt a non-partisan method of redistricting.

Republicans Back Anti-Gun Bill

Republicans Back Anti-Gun Bill

Mandatory three-year term for illegal gun possession has support of Flynn and Barrett. But will it pass?

Buried in Campaign Contributions

Buried in Campaign Contributions

How the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign methodically tracks the countless contributors and millions in campaign donations.

Governor Walker Shapes State Labor Board

Governor Walker Shapes State Labor Board

All three appointees on little known, powerful labor board now appointed by Republican Governor

Lobbyists Spend $17 Million on Legislature

Lobbyists Spend $17 Million on Legislature

Despite 96% drop in union spending, 600 groups spent $17 million on bills they favored in 2013.

Millions in Out-of-State Donations for Walker

Millions in Out-of-State Donations for Walker

For true believers with ready pocketbooks, he is America's governor.

Why is Anti-Abortion Lobby So Powerful?

Why is Anti-Abortion Lobby So Powerful?

Despite spending far less than groups like Planned Parenthood, Pro-Lifers keep winning legislative battles.

Walker Spent Almost $1 Million on Outside Counsel

Walker Spent Almost $1 Million on Outside Counsel

He's now ending pact with Michael Best firm, which advised on Act 10 legislation.

Feingold’s Progressive Front

Feingold’s Progressive Front

His Progressives United group gives more than $1 million to political candidates.

Fun With Budget Numbers

Fun With Budget Numbers

An insider's take on the state budget and how it was put together.

Public School Staff Hasn’t Declined

Public School Staff Hasn’t Declined

Despite state changes, Wisconsin schools held steady last year, but are down by 5,200 positions since 2009.

Legislators Blast UW Yet Again

Legislators Blast UW Yet Again

Legislators accuse officials of "flagrant violations" for continuing to use Internet service provider WiscNet.

An Attack on Student Journalism?

An Attack on Student Journalism?

What lesson does legislators attack on the Center for Investigative Journalism teach young journalists?

Did Public TV Censor Koch Film?

Did Public TV Censor Koch Film?

After David Koch withdrew his offer to donate to public TV, a public TV group withdrew support for documentary film about him.

Legislators’ Double Standard on Food Bans

Legislators’ Double Standard on Food Bans

One budget provision regulates how food stamps are spent and another prohibits local governments from any regulations on how food and beverages are sold.

School Choice Lobby Spends $10 Million

School Choice Lobby Spends $10 Million

Choice supporters donated $2.8 million to state candidates and $7 million for electioneering activities, according to nonpartisan watchdog group.

Loading Up the Budget With Policy and Pork

Loading Up the Budget With Policy and Pork

In violation of his campaign promise, Walker's budget has 58 policy or non-monetary items and 15 pieces of pork.

Hey Ho, Palermo’s Gotta Go

Hey Ho, Palermo’s Gotta Go

Protestors pressure UW to end relationship with Palermo's Pizza in Milwaukee, citing its labor violations.

State Takes Passive Approach as Fatal Deer Disease Spreads

State Takes Passive Approach as Fatal Deer Disease Spreads

Chronic Wasting Disease has risen tenfold but state has cutback testing of deer. Is political pressure to blame?

Triumph of the Koch Brothers

Triumph of the Koch Brothers

An award-winning documentary and a new book both describe how public unions were crushed in Wisconsin.

Huh? Lobbying Spending Drops In Wisconsin

Huh? Lobbying Spending Drops In Wisconsin

After rising steadily for 10 years, dollars spent lobbying the legislature declined in 2011-2012. Why?

Act 10 Hits Jail Employees

Act 10 Hits Jail Employees

Counties across Wisconsin are slashing benefits for correctional employees, but some sheriffs say it's causing staffing problems.

Legislation You Should Worry About

Legislation You Should Worry About

A tax handout to TV and radio stations and more restrictions on wind power are among some questionable new bills.

State Doctors Rake in Millions from Drug Companies

State Doctors Rake in Millions from Drug Companies

Data base shows pharmaceutical companies gave $10 million in speaking fees, meals and gifts to WI doctors.

Spending Lower in High Court Race

Spending Lower in High Court Race

Unlike the last four races, this one won't cost $4 million or so. Why is spending down?

Rent-To-Own Industry Wants Less Disclosure

Rent-To-Own Industry Wants Less Disclosure

Seeks to overturn law making it disclose interests rates. Industry supported Gov. Walker, who backs the change.

How Former Lawmakers Cash In

How Former Lawmakers Cash In

16 ex-lawmakers -- including former Assembly speakers and Senate majority leaders -- make big money lobbying the legislature.

State Department Has Not-So-Open Records

State Department Has Not-So-Open Records

Department of Administration takes a long time to respond to records requests, especially from journalists.

Concealed Carry Law Shields Law Breakers

Concealed Carry Law Shields Law Breakers

Law protects identities of felons, abusers and fugitives, and makes it difficult to study impact of concealed carry.

Roggensack’s Recusal Policy at Issue in High Court Race

Roggensack’s Recusal Policy at Issue in High Court Race

She has an "astounding disregard for legal ethics," the New York Times declared.

Wanted: A Wiser Prison Policy
Wanted

A Wiser Prison Policy

Alternatives to prison cost less and are more effective, as a new group lobbying the legislature contends.

Did State Pick the Wrong Bidder?

Did State Pick the Wrong Bidder?

Skyward rose to become the biggest student information system provider. But the Wisconsin business lost a state bid to a Minnesota company.

High Court Race May Cost Millions

High Court Race May Cost Millions

Roggensack's reelection effort will determine if Supreme Court retains a conservative majority. Millions could be spent on both sides.

The Money Behind the Mining Bill

The Money Behind the Mining Bill

Is it $15 million in campaign contributions? The tally is inexact, but it's way more than environmentalists donate.

A Solution to Our Billion-Dollar Democracy

A Solution to Our Billion-Dollar Democracy

11 states support a constitutional amendment to overthrow Supreme Court decision allowing unrestrained campaign spending. What about Wisconsin?

The Secret Lobbyists

The Secret Lobbyists

Lobbyists must register to lobby the legislature but can work in secret to get the big money from government contracts. Why?

What’s Stopping Tougher Drunk Driving Laws

What’s Stopping Tougher Drunk Driving Laws

The cost of enforcement has been estimated at $200 million annually, but some scoff at this figure.

The Rising Cost of State’s Outside Contractors

The Rising Cost of State’s Outside Contractors

Wisconsin spent more on outside contractors than any year since 2004.

Republicans Will Oppose Gun Controls

Republicans Will Oppose Gun Controls

There may be national outrage on the issue, but Gov. Walker and others oppose changes.

Walker Backs Transparency in Campaign Funding

Walker Backs Transparency in Campaign Funding

He's open -- in theory - to changes that address the problem of "dark money" in elections.

Walker Will Veto Same-Day Registration Ban

Walker Will Veto Same-Day Registration Ban

Governor says if there is "any cost" to ending same-day voter registration, he will veto the bill.

Sullivan’s Travels

Sullivan’s Travels

Former Bucyrus CEO Tim Sullivan isn't a registered lobbyist, but runs around promoting a mining bill while accepting a paid post with a mining company.

A Call for Redistricting Reform

A Call for Redistricting Reform

Given the distorted election results, good government groups want to reform the process of redistricting.

Mining Bill Compromise?

Mining Bill Compromise?

State Sen. Dale Schultz expects this. But will his Republican party colleagues play along?