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12 Judges Endorse Molly Gena for Municipal Judge
Press Release

12 Judges Endorse Molly Gena for Municipal Judge

Twelve current and former Milwaukee area judges endorse Molly Gena for Municipal Judge.

City Hall: Johnson Names Former Deputy City Attorney To Fire & Police Commission
City Hall

Johnson Names Former Deputy City Attorney To Fire & Police Commission

Miriam Horwitz would be commission's ninth member, fulfilling mayor's campaign pledge.

City Hall: Kessler Resigns From Fire-Police Board
City Hall

Kessler Resigns From Fire-Police Board

Retired judge's resignation delays mayor's push to create full, 9-member Fire & Police Commission.

Mandela Barnes Earns Over 100 Endorsements from Wisconsin Elected Officials in Race for U.S. Senate
Press Release

Mandela Barnes Earns Over 100 Endorsements from Wisconsin Elected Officials in Race for U.S. Senate

Barnes Has Built an Unparalleled Statewide Coalition to Defeat Ron Johnson

MKE County: Board Takes Over Redistricting, Rejects Independent Effort
MKE County

Board Takes Over Redistricting, Rejects Independent Effort

Board rejected third and final map from its Independent Redistricting Committee.

MKE County: Independent Committee Submits Final Map for Supervisor Districts
MKE County

Independent Committee Submits Final Map for Supervisor Districts

But independence of the Independent Redistricting Committee is now in question, as county board could face lawsuits.

MKE County: So Much For An Independent Redistricting Process
MKE County

So Much For An Independent Redistricting Process

County committee rejects its own independent redistricting committee's recommendations.

MKE County: Hispanic Districts Key to Board Redistricting
MKE County

Hispanic Districts Key to Board Redistricting

Current Hispanic districts potentially run afoul of 1965 Voting Rights Act.

MKE County: New Map For Supervisor Districts Submitted
MKE County

New Map For Supervisor Districts Submitted

But independent committee made no effort to protect incumbents. How will board vote?

MKE County: Supervisors Create Independent Redistricting Committee
MKE County

Supervisors Create Independent Redistricting Committee

An historic first. But six retired judges must act fast to create new legislative maps.

City Hall: Committee Loves New FPC Nominees
City Hall

Committee Loves New FPC Nominees

Ramey, Kessler and Fallone draw unanimous support from council members.

City Hall: Barrett Replacing FPC Chair, Vice Chair
City Hall

Barrett Replacing FPC Chair, Vice Chair

Three new appointments by mayor would reshape the Fire & Police Commission.

Hintz Announces Office Staff Changes
Can Wisconsin Create Fair District Maps?

Can Wisconsin Create Fair District Maps?

Former Republican State Sen. Dan Kapanke admits gerrymander, calls for fair maps.

Chris Larson Earns More Endorsements than Other Candidates Combined
Plenty of Horne: John Norquist’s 70th Birthday Party
Plenty of Horne

John Norquist’s 70th Birthday Party

A host of Milwaukeeans and former city officials attend gala party in Chicago.

Brett Blomme for Milwaukee County Circuit Court  Announces List of Early Endorsements
Press Release

Brett Blomme for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Announces List of Early Endorsements

“I am so honored to have earned the support of these great leaders.”

The State of Politics: A New Generation of Political Leaders

Contribution to Nik Kovac of $100

The State of Politics: A New Generation of Political Leaders
The State of Politics

A New Generation of Political Leaders

GenXers and Millennials are replacing Baby Boomers in political office.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Opens to Public

Contribution to Bob Peterson of $50

Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Opens to Public

Contribution to Shyla Deacon of $100

Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Opens to Public
Eyes on Milwaukee

Streetcar Opens to Public

"This is your assignment: ride the streetcar," says Mayor Barrett.

All the Election Data You Want

All the Election Data You Want

It was one for the history books, with many surprising results and newcomers.

Murphy’s Law: 23 Election Winners and Losers
Murphy’s Law

23 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the vote totals, who were the other winners and losers in yesterday’s election?

Women’s March WI Endorses Nikiya Dodd for 5th District Alderman
Press Release

Women’s March WI Endorses Nikiya Dodd for 5th District Alderman

"I am so humbled to have earned the endorsement of Women's March WI."

Milwaukee Area Unions Endorse Nikiya Dodd for 5th District Alderman
Press Release

Milwaukee Area Unions Endorse Nikiya Dodd for 5th District Alderman

"As a State Senator and a County Supervisor I proudly stood with workers and their unions."

Eyes on Milwaukee: 4th Street Rededicated Vel R. Phillips Ave.
Eyes on Milwaukee

4th Street Rededicated Vel R. Phillips Ave.

A who's who ceremony of politicians and candidates turns out to honor legacy of Vel Phillips.

Walker Avoids Harley Issue at Parades

Walker Avoids Harley Issue at Parades

Governor declines to criticize Trump in his July 4 appearances.

The State of Politics: Democrats Rejected Redistricting Reform
The State of Politics

Democrats Rejected Redistricting Reform

Legislative leaders rejected reforms proposed in 2009-2010 session.

No Choice in 36% of Legislative Races

No Choice in 36% of Legislative Races

Gerrymandering and decline in number of candidates leaves 2.5 million residents with no choice.

New Federal Program Could Help City

New Federal Program Could Help City

Opportunity Zones law allows tax incentives for distressed areas.

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

Republican assembly districts are up to 96% white, senate districts as high as 95% white.

The State of Politics: Is State Elections Process “At Risk”?
The State of Politics

Is State Elections Process “At Risk”?

Elections Commission, legislators, predict problems if staff not restored.

Whitford Plaintiffs in Historic Map-rigging Case Rally in Advance of U.S. Supreme Court Oral Argument
Press Release

Whitford Plaintiffs in Historic Map-rigging Case Rally in Advance of U.S. Supreme Court Oral Argument

The state is appealing that ruling in order to protect legislative gains made by the majority party in Wisconsin despite elections in which they won fewer votes.

Court Watch: Bill Lets Some Criminal Records Be Expunged

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $100

Court Watch: Bill Lets Some Criminal Records Be Expunged
Court Watch

Bill Lets Some Criminal Records Be Expunged

Rep. Goyke’s bill gets bipartisan support, allows retroactive expungement of youthful convictions.

Campaign Cash: How Much Do DOJ Civil Suits Cost?
Campaign Cash

How Much Do DOJ Civil Suits Cost?

Bill requires state AG to disclose cost of many suits against federal government.

Campaign Cash: Big Agriculture Rewards Legislators
Campaign Cash

Big Agriculture Rewards Legislators

Industry wants high capacity wells, gives $220,000 to key committee members.

Senator David Craig Authors Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Legislation

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $50

Senator David Craig Authors Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Legislation
Press Release

Senator David Craig Authors Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Legislation

This legislation shares many of the reforms sought at the federal level by Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner in the DUE PROCESS ACT OF 2016.

Op-Ed: Assembly Dems Point Way to Reform
Op-Ed

Assembly Dems Point Way to Reform

Their Clean Elections Act seeks to fix broken campaign finance law.

Mandela Barnes Announces Key Community Endorsements
Press Release

Mandela Barnes Announces Key Community Endorsements

Key Community Leaders and More Progressive Organizations Endorse New Leadership They Can Count On

Darrol Gibson Announces Impressive Slate of Endorsements Including Congresswoman Gwen Moore
Press Release

Darrol Gibson Announces Impressive Slate of Endorsements Including Congresswoman Gwen Moore

Darrol is the only candidate running for a seat in the Wisconsin State Legislature this fall to receive a primary endorsement from Congresswoman Moore.

Bar Exam: Pourman’s Used To Be Sausage Factory
Bar Exam

Pourman’s Used To Be Sausage Factory

Yet it's been a tavern for more than a century. This is truly old Milwaukee.

State Representative Fred Kessler Endorses Marisabel Cabrera for State Assembly
Press Release

State Representative Fred Kessler Endorses Marisabel Cabrera for State Assembly

Current member of Assembly and former judge adds to growing list of support

Corrections Officials Face Community on Lincoln Hills

Corrections Officials Face Community on Lincoln Hills

Attendees demand accountability, action, in wake of Lincoln Hills scandal.

Ready to Work

Contribution to David Crowley of $200

Ready to Work
Press Release

Ready to Work

I am looking forward to serving the interests of district residents on Milwaukee's Common Council.

State Senator Chris Larson Blasts Abele for Flawed Bucks Deal

Contribution to Johnny Thomas of $100

State Senator Chris Larson Blasts Abele for Flawed Bucks Deal
Press Release

State Senator Chris Larson Blasts Abele for Flawed Bucks Deal

“To be clear, before he walked in the room, County taxpayers were on the hook for zero extra dollars."

The State of Politics: Can Larson Beat Abele?

Contribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $50

The State of Politics: Can Larson Beat Abele?
The State of Politics

Can Larson Beat Abele?

Democratic insiders handicap the race, which may come down to turnout.

Representatives Brostoff, Bowen, Kessler, and Sinicki Take Stand Against Legislation Attacking Milwaukee Taxpayers, Local Control
Press Release

Representatives Brostoff, Bowen, Kessler, and Sinicki Take Stand Against Legislation Attacking Milwaukee Taxpayers, Local Control

Assembly Bill 885 mandates a government takeover of Milwaukee County’s debt collection efforts.

Can Auto Redistricting End Gerrymandering?

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $100

Can Auto Redistricting End Gerrymandering?

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $500

Can Auto Redistricting End Gerrymandering?

Can Auto Redistricting End Gerrymandering?

A software programmer devises a way to eliminate political bias.

Gwen Connolly continues to garner endorsements in race for Branch 44
Press Release

Gwen Connolly continues to garner endorsements in race for Branch 44

She has previously announced the endorsement of hundreds of judges, attorneys, elected officials, and community leaders.

Assembly Democrats Urge Gov. Walker to Veto Assembly Bill 387 and Assembly Bill 388
Press Release

Assembly Democrats Urge Gov. Walker to Veto Assembly Bill 387 and Assembly Bill 388

Bills Will Have a Devastating Impact on Wisconsin’s Tradition of Clean, Open and Transparent Government

The State of Politics: Stories Legislators Tell Each Other

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $50

The State of Politics: Stories Legislators Tell Each Other
The State of Politics

Stories Legislators Tell Each Other

Sometimes personal stories told by legislators trump statistics or sound-bite speeches.

Murphy’s Law: The Most Gerrymandered State in America
Murphy’s Law

The Most Gerrymandered State in America

Study shows Wisconsin most gerrymandered in 42 years. Case is filed in federal court.

 
Citation

Democrats push for changes on Bucks arena deal

Military Spending Not BadgerCare Real Threat  to Wisconsin Budget
Press Release

Military Spending Not BadgerCare Real Threat to Wisconsin Budget

Over 25% of Walker’s budget proposal comes from the federal government.

Plenty of Horne: Are Abrahamson’s Days as Chief Justice Numbered?
Plenty of Horne

Are Abrahamson’s Days as Chief Justice Numbered?

Constitutional amendment on April referendum would result in her being replaced as chief justice. Even if it fails, her salary will be reduced.

Rep. Frederick Kessler and Judge Joan Kessler endow University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee scholarship fund
Press Release

Rep. Frederick Kessler and Judge Joan Kessler endow University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee scholarship fund

State Rep. Frederick Kessler and his wife, Judge Joan Kessler, are donating $300,000 to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

The State of Politics: Low-Turnout Election Had Big Results
The State of Politics

Low-Turnout Election Had Big Results

For first time, voters could elect two female candidates to top state-wide offices.

Representative Katrina Shankland Endorses Jonathan Brostoff for Assembly
Press Release

Representative Katrina Shankland Endorses Jonathan Brostoff for Assembly

Brostoff has most endorsements from state legislators of any in the race

Bipartisan drone bill signed into law
Press Release

Bipartisan drone bill signed into law

Today, Governor Scott Walker signed Senate Bill 196, the Drone Privacy Protection Act, into law.

Bipartisan drone legislation passes Senate
Press Release

Bipartisan drone legislation passes Senate

Bill to protect citizens’ privacy headed to Governor

The State of Politics: Republicans Push for “Supermajority” on Tax Hikes
The State of Politics

Republicans Push for “Supermajority” on Tax Hikes

Constitutional amendment requiring two-thirds majority could radically change state government.

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.

Supervisor Khalif Rainey Expresses Outrage Over bill To Allow MPD To Conduct Its Own Investigations When Prisoners Die in Their Custody
Press Release

Supervisor Khalif Rainey Expresses Outrage Over bill To Allow MPD To Conduct Its Own Investigations When Prisoners Die in Their Custody

Rainey said it was “outrageous” that under the bill other police departments would be investigated by the state Department of Justice or an agency outside the county in case of prisoner deaths.

Jonathan Brostoff announces candidacy for Wisconsin State Assembly
Press Release

Jonathan Brostoff announces candidacy for Wisconsin State Assembly

New Leadership for a New Milwaukee

The Other Mandela

The Other Mandela

The fundraiser for Rep. Mandela Barnes, just two days before his namesake Nelson Mandela died, had a big turnout.

Plenty of Horne: Bradley Prizes Go to Millionaires
Plenty of Horne

Bradley Prizes Go to Millionaires

Roger Ailes and Mitch Daniels were among four men awarded $250,000 each by the Milwaukee foundation for "unflinching" conservatism.

Who Will Run Against Walker?

Who Will Run Against Walker?

The list of possible candidates isn't long, as discussions at the state Democratic convention made clear.

Murphy’s Law: Bail Bond Bill Will Create Debtor’s Prisons
Murphy’s Law

Bail Bond Bill Will Create Debtor’s Prisons

Why are Republicans pushing a bill opposed almost unanimously by criminal justice professionals?

House Confidential: Julia Taylor’s East Side Chateau
House Confidential

Julia Taylor’s East Side Chateau

The GMC leader lives in a home long occupied and greatly modified -- with lots of plumbing! -- by Fred and Joan Kessler.

Plenty of Horne: Tammy Baldwin Comes to Town
Plenty of Horne

Tammy Baldwin Comes to Town

Baldwin offers an insider's look at the U.S.Senate. And Milwaukee Buck Samuel Dalembert buys a LOT of wine.

Plenty of Horne: Every Politician in Town
Plenty of Horne

Every Politician in Town

Well, not quite, but the City's Birthday Party had a big turnout of politicians and insiders.

Plenty of Horne: Evers Vs. Pridemore
Plenty of Horne

Evers Vs. Pridemore

The battle between State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers and challenger Don Pridemore.

Rep. Barca announces Democratic committee assignments for upcoming legislative session
Press Release

Rep. Barca announces Democratic committee assignments for upcoming legislative session

Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) announced the Assembly Democratic members of the standing and joint committees for the 2013-2014 legislative session.

RTA Will Be a Last Minute Decision

RTA Will Be a Last Minute Decision

The vote on the future of regional transit that was scheduled for a vote by the Wisconsin State Assembly on Tuesday didn't actually happen, but a lot of small actions leading up to it did.

The Roundup: State Elections Board Responds to Complaint Against Walker
The Roundup

State Elections Board Responds to Complaint Against Walker

John Weishan and Gerry Broderick filed an official complaint today with the Wisconsin State Elections Board against Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker.

The Roundup: Riemer: “Ready to Run”
The Roundup

Riemer: “Ready to Run”

This terse note from Riemer almost sounds like a Bill Christofferson soundbite, which means it's a good one.

The Roundup: Plale Recall Drive Begins
The Roundup

Plale Recall Drive Begins

Can a group of south side political activists pull themselves together enough to acquire 13,212 signatures to force a recall election against Sen. Jeff Plale? Rep. Jon Richards said he doubts it. “This thing is going nowhere,” says Rep. Josh Zepnick. “These people are so lazy! They’ve taken out a newspaper ad asking people to come by and sign a recall petition. Who is going to do that?” True enough. To win an election, you’ve got to knock on doors, post signs in windows and do all kinds of grass-rooted activities. There is scant evidence of this in the Plale recall attempt, and absolutely no evidence of it in the northern fringes of Plale’s district, including Brady Street and the East Side. That hasn’t stopped Plale from printing up thousands of football schedules that he is handing out at every turn. The South Milwaukeean made the journey to St. Rita’s Church last week to attend the Brady Street Association monthly meeting where he was asked about the recall. “They’ve got until September 7th to get the signatures to recall me,” Plale told the audience. When told there seemed to be no effort on the East Side to circulate petitions, Plale said, “well, these people wouldn’t know how to find Brady Street.” Plale was also in the Brady Street area for what the neighborhood hopes is an annual Artisinal Food Festival. The gig was held Sunday, July 25th, and Plale was there along with his schedules. The recall effort against him stemmed from his crucial vote to uphold Governor Doyle’s veto of a republican-sponsored measure to limit property tax increases. Plale says the upcoming plans to sponsor a constitutional amendment known as the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, (TABOR) is similarly flawed, and a potential recipe for disaster. He cites Colorado, a state that has enacted similar provisions into its laws and is now in the midst of its worst fiscal crisis ever. Amendment on the Run The legislature republicans spent the last unedifying session promoting the agenda of Gays, Guns and Gambling. The Madison gang came up with loads of goofy legislation, none of which could sustain a veto by the governor. Leave it to this group to be able to reconvene and pass a constitutional amendment, no less, in just one week. This was the decision of Sen. Mary Panzer, the republican leader who had earlier been criticized for not rushing a Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights law through the Solomonic deliberations of the nation’s most august lawmakers. But, as soon as she faced a primary challenge from Rep.Glenn Grothman, an ambitious fellow republican who covets her senate seat, Panzer decided to schedule a vote for this week. Then, the legislature can go home and come back next year to vote again. Then, finally, the matter will be put to public vote in a referendum, if it is still alive. But, if the legislature does not act by August 5th, the whole procedure would have to be repeated in yet one […]

The Roundup: Selig Take A Hit
The Roundup

Selig Take A Hit

Washington Post Trashes Commissioner and Journal Communications. Plus: The Mea Culpa of Charles J. Sykes and Thompson’s Boycott of Miller Park.

The Roundup: Pratt’s “Reimbursement” Mystery Money
The Roundup

Pratt’s “Reimbursement” Mystery Money

Acting Mayor Pockets $7,500 with no explanation

Murphy’s Law: The Milwaukee School Board’s Incumbent Protection Plan
Murphy’s Law

The Milwaukee School Board’s Incumbent Protection Plan

Consultant Fred Kessler drew up a redistricting plan that would carve out a Hispanic school board district, but almost no one on the board seems to support the idea.