Russ Feingold

Eric Hovde Loans His Campaign $8 Million to Oppose Tammy Baldwin

Republican seeking to unseat Sen. Baldwin is latest state candidate to self-fund.

Meet the Candidates for County Office

And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.

Meet the Candidates for County Office

And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.

Tammy Baldwin Could Still Face 2024 Challenger, Party Leaders Say

They point to Ron Johnson's surprise run in 2010. GOP hopes for well-funded challenger.

The Strange Life of Trump Attorney Kenneth Chesebro

Wisconsin native charged as co-conspirator for role in devising fake elector scheme.

Ron Johnson Appears To Defeat Mandela Barnes

Narrow race appears to have given Republican a third term.

7 Issues That Define Evers, Michels

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and GOP challenger Tim Michels deeply disagree on the issues.

Ron Johnson Plays To Extremes in Re-Election Bid

Polling shows Johnson's favorability and unfavorability ratings are both at or near record highs.

Michels Blasts Media, Defends Donations

GOP candidate for governor has supported anti-LGBT, anti-abortion, anti-contraception groups.

More Polls Show Barnes Leading Johnson

Including one by Fox News. But still ‘very competitive race.'

Former Sen. Feingold to go ‘On the Issues’ to debut new book ‘The Constitution in Jeopardy’ Aug. 30

Trump Boosts Michels Over Kleefisch

Evers vs. Michels, Johnson vs. Barnes will make it a fall of nonstop ads. Plus: Vos almost loses.

Statewide Republican Candidates

Hotly-contested race for gubernatorial nomination is just the tip of the iceberg.

What Would Tim Michels Do As Governor?

Despite a rapid ascent in the polls, it's unclear what the Republican businessman is running on.

Kleefisch Running On Walker-Era Record

Walker, Vos, WMC all backing former Lt. Governor. Will it be enough to beat Michels?

Trump Endorses Tim Michels for Governor

Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch has now lost out on two major endorsements.

The NRA Loves Ron Johnson

Wisconsin U.S. Senator has gotten $1.3 million in donations, just behind Mitch McConnell.

The Stunning Rise in Anti-Semitism

Nationally and in Wisconsin, the highest in more than four decades. Why?

Tim Michels Is No Political ‘Outsider’

Candidate for governor has long record of political donations, lobbying, state contracts.

Look Out For Tim Michels

He could shake up the Republican primary for governor

Fueled by Homegrown Wisconsin Donors, Tom Nelson in Feingold Territory

“Like us, Russ didn’t have the most money but what he DID have was the truest and most authentic progressive vision for Wisconsin’s working families.”

Baldwin, Pocan Deliver for Wisconsin

Both among top members of Congress in getting earmarked federal spending for this state.

Can Ron Johnson Win Reelection?

His unfavorability ratings are high, but the politics of 2022 may be on his side.

Baldwin Keeps the Wolves At Bay

Her vote to oppose federal protection of wolves is smart politics.

Lasry, Godlewski Spend Heavily on Campaigns

Barnes far ahead of all Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate in donations from others in last quarter.

Ron Johnson Dramatically Underperforms in First Finance Report Since Announcing for Reelection

Nelson Calls on Ben Wikler and State Party to Organize Debates Among Dem U.S. Senate Candidates: “This race shouldn’t be a coronation…”

“We need to have debates. We need to have them now.”

Tom Nelson’s Longshot Race for U.S. Senate

A 'classic populist, grassroots campaign’ — with the least campaign dollars.

Ron Johnson Explains Run For Reelection

Breaks promise not to run for third term, citing 'loss of freedom' and 'tyrannical approach by the elites.'

Reports Say Ron Johnson To Seek Reelection

Republican had promised in 2016 not to seek a third term.

Is Nelson ’22 Like Feingold ’92?

Tom Nelson is dark horse in Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. But don’t count him out.

Will Donors Punish Legislators Pushing Election Lies?

Wisconsin Realtors says it will still back conspiracy theorist Rep. Janel Brandtjen.

Democrats Face High Profile Races in 2022

Experts say elections will test strength of state Democratic Party.

Clock Ticking on Ron Johnson’s Decision

Increase in his 'unfavorable' rating looms over decision whether to run for reelection.

Evers, Johnson Rake In Campaign Funds

Outpacing challengers, Evers raises $5 million and Johnson $1.2 million in first half of 2021.

Foxconn Shows Folly of Cheesehead Revolution

Walker, Ryan, Priebus pushed business-friendly policies. The result: an abysmal failure.

State Faces Voter Suppression Effort

Not by the Legislature. Instead court cases seek new policies to restrict voting.

Ron Johnson Pushes Conspiracies Ahead of Possible Third Term

The Senator has become a controversial figure as opponents queue up to run against him.

Law scholar to discuss Supreme Court and the media in virtual “On the Issues,” Feb. 3

Gasp, Sykes Recants on Rojo

Stop the presses! Charlie Sykes has changed his view of Senator Ron Johnson.

Hintz Announces Office Staff Changes

Discussion of the Supreme Court’s role in November elections continues in virtual ‘On the Issues,’ October 29

New Law Firm Taking on Progressive Causes

Firm will counter Republican legal challenges surrounding voting rights, gerrymandering.

Former Sen. Feingold to go ‘On the Issues’ with virtual conversation, Oct. 22

Sidney McCain Endorses Biden

Senator John McCain's daughter is WMSE promotions director, has lived here since 2017

Age, Race, Politics, and Conservation – Addressing the Elephants in the Room

Wisconsin’s Green Fire announces Annual Meeting Series, September 9-26, 2020

Supreme Decision

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

Keith Streicher Named Director of the Veterans Upward Bound Department at UWM

Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him.

Wisconsin Politicians and Impeachment History

From Mayor Tom Barrett to Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, Wisconsinites involved in every presidential impeachment attempt.

Congressional Primaries Can Be Unpredictable

Sensenbrenner seat could draw a wide field.

Pade To Run Against GOP Rep. Bryan Steil

Steil succeeded Paul Ryan in congressional seat held by Republicans for 25 years.

True Colors Show In State Capitol

Scott Fitzgerald could learn from Russ Feingold on how America’s government should be run.

Who is Josh Pade?

On June 1, Pade became the 10th Democratic candidate for governor in 2018 primary.

John McCain and Republican Values

He’s a patriot and man of character. Contrast this to Trump, Vukmir and Nicholson.

About That Deficit, Sen. Johnson

Debt was Ron Johnson’s obsession -- until he helped Trump create the biggest deficit in 75 years.

Ron Johnson a Hero for Small Businesses

His objections push Republicans to add federal tax breaks for small businesses.

Remembering Jerry Kleczka, a True Public Servant

Former Congressman Kleczka dedicated his life to serving his community, even after his 35 years in elected office

Democrats Must Change Strategy

Stop bashing Walker and start addressing issues like taxes.

Top 10 Political Stories of 2016

Trump’s Wisconsin win, of course. But what else?

State Democrats Could Sink Still Lower

Yes, they’re at a historic low. But things could get worse.

Trump, Truth, and Financial Trouble

Voters’ median income -- and gullibility -- help explain election results

15 Election Winners and Losers

Clarke to the cabinet? Should pollsters be fired? RoJo trumps Trump. And much more.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement On Election Results

"We will also work to hold President-Elect Trump accountable to the people who elected him."

Special Interest Groups Pounding Feingold

Republican-leaning outside groups have almost 6 to 1 advantage in spending.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Clinton leading Trump by 6 percentage points in Wisconsin; Senate race is virtually tied

Among Wisconsin likely voters, 46 percent support Hillary Clinton and 40 percent support Donald Trump.

Associated Press: Democratic Counties Outpacing Republican Counties Nearly 2-to-1 after over 460,000 early votes cast

Only 16 percent of early votes have come from Republican strongholds.

Zamarripa Announces Television Ad Campaign to Get Out The Vote

“My goal in political life is to increase the participation of the Latinx community to ensure our issues are addressed,” said Rep. Zamarripa.

Ron Johnson’s Beltway Blunder: The “Mad Scientist” Edition

On Monday Senator Johnson tried to argue that the “jury is still out” on whether humans impact the climate.

Senator Johnson Follows Trump’s Lead Down the Gutter

Down in the polls, and short on time, Senator Johnson turns to desperate personal attacks

RFW Statement on Sen Johnson’s Comments to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Sen. Johnson would benefit from more time spent listening to Wisconsinites and less time engaging in hysterical partisan rants."

Rojo On The Rebound

Ron Johnson is fired up and rising in the polls. Can he beat Feingold?

Student Loan Debt a Defining Issue Between Russ Feingold and Sen. Ron Johnson

New Report Finds Average Amount of Student Loan Debt on the Rise in Wisconsin in Advance of Senate Debate

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Kicks Off Centennial With Weekend of Action

PPAWI has invested in the largest door-to-door voter contact effort in its history.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Wisconsin voters shifting support to Clinton after Trump video release

A new Marquette Law School Poll finds 44 percent of Wisconsin likely voters supporting Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for president and 37 percent supporting Republican Donald Trump.

Early Voting is Underway in Milwaukee

Early voting is underway in Milwaukee, and it's time to make your plan to get out and vote!

Paul Ryan and Donald Trump hitting the campaign trail together?

Paul Ryan’s press indicates he is none too pleased to appear with Trump.

Bernie Sanders, Russ Feingold Put Student Debt, College Affordability at Forefront

More Than 515,000 Would Benefit from Refinance Plan

Where is Paul Ryan?

"Stop running all over the country and start serving the people who elected you."

Paul Ryan is out of touch with working class Americans

Paul Ryan: hardly a champion of the unemployed.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds tight presidential race, Feingold with edge in Wisconsin

Poll finds 44 percent of Wisconsin likely voters supporting Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for president and 42 percent supporting Republican Donald Trump in a head-to-head matchup.

Attorney General Moves to Block Pay Raise for Wisconsin Workers

New overtime rule would be an economic boon for Wisconsin

Senator Johnson Still Refuses to Do His Job and Vote on Critical Court Vacancies

For more than 2,300 days he’s stonewalled any effort to confirm a new justice to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The New Charlie Sykes

He's confessing his errors and getting lots of publicity. Could there be a connection?

Ryan Solen supports unions this Labor Day but Paul Ryan flakes

Paul Ryan, however, supports unions only when they benefit him or his family.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Clinton edge over Trump narrowing to pre-convention levels among Wisconsin voters

Among likely voters Clinton is supported by 45 percent and Trump by 42 percent in the new poll.

The Truth About Let America Work’s Poll

Sen. Johnson’s own super PAC has him behind

What Is it With Republicans Support of For-Profit College Scams?

Scott Walker + ITT Tech, Ron Johnson + Globe University & of Course, Trump University

Russ Feingold to speak at Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee meeting

The Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee meeting will be held on the 3rd Floor of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center at Noon.

Ron Johnson Says We Should Replace College with Video Tapes

‘Rambling’ Tirade on Higher Education, False Claims Federal Student Loans Eligible for Refinance

Which Candidates Lie the Most?

Aggregating the Politifact ratings of candidates for president and U.S. Senate.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Clinton widening lead over Trump in Wisconsin

And among likely voters in November’s election, Feingold has the support of 53 percent while Johnson is supported by 42 percent.

Anti-Trade Movement Will Hurt State

Wisconsin is a net exporter of products, yet Trump, Clinton, Feingold oppose global trade pacts.

Water Woes Big Issue in Fall Elections

Water pollution hotly debated in key legislative races and Feingold vs Johnson.

Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee Announces upcoming speakers – Sen. Johnson and Russ Feingold

Advanced reservations are required.

The John Chisholm Road Show

He discusses his handling of crime, staff turnover and that "partisan witch hunt."

Koch Brothers Impact on GOP Convention

Their impact on Republican platform and candidates — all but Trump — was “huge!”

Statement from Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair on Debbie Wasserman Schultz

"Wisconsin Democrats will continue their efforts to unite, vote, and win in November," said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning.

Walker Sells Himself at GOP Convention

Uses convention to renew national profile, but Ryan a more likely choice for president in 2020.

Russ for Wisconsin Announces Over $775,000 Raised in 20 Days

Russ for Wisconsin Raises Over $775,000 in Pre-Primary 95% of Contributions $100 or Less. Nearly 38,000 Wisconsin Contributors Since Campaign Launch

Vote For Gridlock in November

Don’t like Trump or Clinton? Support Paul Ryan and GOP House, so they can play defense.

Will Wisconsin Matter in Presidential Race?

If not, that’s bad news not just for Trump but for Ron Johnson, too.

Journal Sentinel’s Bias Against Feingold

The coverage of Russ Feingold suggests they’ve truly become a Republican newspaper.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Clinton, Feingold leading

Majorities have negative views of presidential candidates

Excerpts from Russ Feingold at the State Democratic Convention

Below are excerpts of his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Senator Johnson Finally Leaves Washington… To Fundraise in Texas

Johnson has been crisscrossing the country to meet with wealthy backers.

Johnson staff knew Tomah smear campaign based on a “total lie”

The AP has just reported that Sen. Johnson’s staff knew that the central claim in the Koch-backed $2 million smear campaign against Russ is a "total lie."

Happening Now: Johnson Leaves Work in the Senate Early For a Fundraiser on Wall Street

With the Senate in session, Johnson is ducking out of Washington early today to attend a fundraiser at Eddie Sugar’s office in New York City.

4 Questions for Sen. Johnson as He Launches His Campaign from PACUR

Sen. Johnson, a regular critic of government programs like student loans and social security, gleefully embraced government subsidies when it benefitted his in-laws company.

With Low Approval Ratings in Wisconsin, Senator Johnson Turns to Billionaires to Fund his Campaign

Two super PACs tied to the senator combined to rake in over $1.1 million last quarter with more than half of that coming from just two donors.

Sen. Johnson headed to Vegas to lure super PAC dollars from Sheldon Adelson

Adelson contributed over $92 million to Republican super PACs in 2012

Sen. Johnson still refusing to listen on SCOTUS vacancy

As More Senators Take Garland Nomination Seriously, Johnson Remains in Lockstep with Obstructionist Fringe

ICYMI: Senator Ron Johnson Defends his Support of Donald Trump

Trump has taken his party by storm by pushing misogyny, racism, xenophobia, and making fun of physically disabled individuals.

Sen. Johnson Letting Koch Brothers Introduce Him to Wisconsinites

Now we know why Senator Johnson wouldn’t sign the Badger Pledge to keep these outside groups out of Wisconsin.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Cruz, Sanders ahead in Wisconsin presidential primaries

Bradley leads state Supreme Court race

Media Used By Right Against Kloppenburg

Journal Sentinel attacks Kloppenburg on unproven issue raised by right-wing.

Statement on Sen. Ron Johnson’s Endorsement Tour

"P.S. The Badger Pledge is still on the table."

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden Endorse Russ

“I’m proud to have the support of President Obama and Vice President Biden,” said Russ.

Statement on Sen. Johnson’s latest comments regarding the Supreme Court vacancy

“Sadly, Sen. Johnson is confirming that he’s only willing to do his job if it helps Washington Republicans."

Sen. Ron Johnson: Strict Obstructionist

Johnson Spent Entire Term Blocking 7th Circuit Court of Appeals

New Marquette Law School Poll finds tight Democratic race, Trump maintaining Republican lead in Wisconsin

A new Marquette Law School Poll finds a tight race for the Democratic presidential nomination in Wisconsin and Donald Trump maintaining his lead for the Republican nomination

Russ Feingold Endorses Mayor Tom Barrett

"Tom Barrett has the right ideas to keep Milwaukee moving forward," said Russ Feingold.

For Sen. Ron Johnson on Supreme Court Vacancy, “doing nothing is also an action”

Senator Ron Johnson continues to refuse to do his job on the Supreme Court vacancy.

9 Election Takeaways

Tom Barrett might be in trouble, Chris Abele definitely is. So is Puente.

Russ Feingold Releases Badger Innovation Plan

Plan Reflects Input From Innovative Businesses Across Wisconsin

UAW, SEIU, LIUNA, AFSCME Endorse Russ Feingold

Russ earned the endorsements because of his commitment to creating an economy that works for working and middle class Wisconsinites.

Seniors Advocates Endorse Russ Feingold’s Senate Bid

Russ is committed to providing Wisconsin's seniors with the dignity of a secure retirement and is dedicated to protecting Social Security and the well-being of all Wisconsin seniors.

LCV Action Fund, Sierra Club Endorse Russ Feingold for U.S. Senate

“I’m grateful to have the support of LCV, the Sierra Club, and their members.”

Planned Parenthood, Wisconsin National Organization for Women Endorse Russ Feingold

While Russ has championed equal pay legislation and greater access to healthcare for Wisconsin’s women, Sen. Ron Johnson has voted to defund Planned Parenthood 7 times while in Washington.

Statement on the 7th Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

"We clearly have much more work to do to ensure that women and their families have every opportunity to succeed. "

New Marquette Law School Poll finds tight races in Wisconsin presidential primaries

Feingold holds lead over Johnson in U.S. Senate race

Top campaign aide to Chris Larson resigns amid criminal probe

Marquette Law School to host Wisconsin U.S. Senate candidates in upcoming “On the Issues” events

Feingold will appear on Tuesday, Jan. 26, and Johnson will appear on Friday, Feb. 5. Both events are at 12:15 p.m.

Right-Wing Front Group Highlights Sen. Ron Johnson’s Hypocrisy

Previously, Johnson's office claimed the complaints were referred to an oversight committee, an intentionally misleading statement.

Statement: Burkina Faso and Iran Announcement

"While we welcome good news today, we must not take our eye off the ball as new threats emerge -- not only from ISIS, but from al Qaeda and its affiliates like AQIM and al Shabaab."

The Source of Ron Johnson’s Conspiracy Theory Revealed!

Johnson taking his cues from Ben Carson and Rick Santorum on EMP "threat"

Russ for Wisconsin Raises Nearly $2.7 million in Q4, Over $7.4 million in 2015

Quarterly and 2015 Fundraising Totals Represent Records for Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Top 10 Political Stories Of 2015

Walker and Republican legislators dominate this year's top political stories in Wisconsin.

Hybrid Lounge, City’s Newest Gay Bar

In a building whose history goes back to 1890, it attracts a hybrid of gay and straight folks.

Senator Ron Johnson’s Free Trade Silence

"Unabashed" free trader has gone silent on Trans-Pacific Partnership

New MU Law School Poll finds Carson, Trump and Rubio atop Wisconsin primary race

Clinton holds edge among Wisconsin Democrats

Russ Feingold Announces Veterans Advisory Committee

Group of 15 Wisconsin veterans will assist campaign for U.S. Senate

Chris Larson’s War Against Abele

State senator running for county executive blasts Abele with personal attacks, will divide Democrats.

Statement: Trans-Pacific Partnership

"Wisconsin's working families see the Trans-Pacific Partnership for what it is, a raw deal written in secret for corporate interests at the expense of Wisconsin jobs."

Uihleins spend big to help Ron Johnson defend Senate seat from Russ Feingold

Russ for Wisconsin Raises $2.4 Million

Nearly 20,000 Wisconsinites have contributed to Russ Feingold's campaign, including contributions from all 72 counties.

Marquette Law School Poll finds Walker job approval at 37 percent, following presidential run

Trump takes GOP lead, Clinton holds Dem edge in Wisconsin

GE Closes Waukesha Facility

"Over the years, Senator Ron Johnson has helped turn the non-controversial reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank into a game of political brinkmanship, which today proved it has no winners. ”

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present new Marquette Law School Poll

Franklin and Mike Gousha will go inside the numbers of the poll

Russ Feingold visits 72nd county, listening to Wisconsinites

Feingold: "I'm just getting started"

Marquette Law School Poll finds Walker, Clinton leading primary fields among Wisconsin voters

For U.S. Senate, Feingold 47, Johnson 42

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present new Marquette Law School Poll

The Marquette Law School Poll is the most extensive statewide polling project in Wisconsin history.

Russ For Wisconsin Reports $2.3 million in FEC Filing

Feingold raised $2.3 million in just six weeks as a declared candidate

Wisconsin’s Rotten Return on Federal Taxes Paid

New report shows we’re the fourth worst state in federal spending received. Walker’s policies don’t help.

Russ For Wisconsin Off To Strong Fundraising Start

Six weeks after announcement, Feingold has raised over $2.2 million

Russ Feingold released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage

"Today's ruling affirms a clear constitutional principle: that same-sex couples must have access to the same rights, privileges and benefits afforded to everyone else, and that includes marriage."

Why We Need Term Limits

Shirley Abrahamson has served 39 years. Fred Risser has served 60 years. Maybe that's too long.

Ron Johnson Needs To Answer On Badger Pledge

After dodging for one week Wisconsin deserves an answer from Senator Johnson

Johnson refuses to give yes or no to Badger Pledge

Pledge would keep tens of millions of dark money out of Wisconsin

72 Hours of Silence from Ron Johnson on Badger Pledge

Russ Feingold's offer would prevent limitless anonymous campaign money in Wisconsin

Russ Feingold Asks Ron Johnson To Sign Badger Pledge

Badger Pledge would keep super PAC and dark money out of Wisconsin Senate election

Is Feingold the Hillary of Wisconsin Democrats?

For better or worse, the similarities between the two are many.

Why Russ Could Beat Rojo

As the polls suggest, Johnson hasn't really tried to connect with voters. That could be fatal.

Race for Democratic Chair Gets Dirty

Some mudslinging at the candidates may stick to Democratic insider and consultant Thad Nation. This story was updated at 6:30 p.m., May 26.

Sen. Feingold’s Big-Government Policies Bad For Wisconsin

Americans for Prosperity knows that free-market policies which promote freedom and opportunity are the best recipe for moving Wisconsin forward.

Russ Feingold launches campaign for U.S. Senate

"My desire to serve is stronger than ever."

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces New Wisconsin State Director

“I share Senator Baldwin’s strong commitment to public service and I am eager to put my experience to work for her in Wisconsin.”

Marquette Law School Poll finds Walker job approval down

Clinton leads presidential matchups; controversy over budget

Who Will Lead the Democratic Party?

Five candidates seek the difficult job of trying to revive the minority party in Wisconsin.

Walker Not Most Polarizing Pol

Polls show he is fourth most polarizing among state voters.

Swing Voters Leave Hope for Democrats

They voted for Walker yet support accepting federal Medicaid increase and raising minimum wage.

Who Will Lead the Democrats?

The party badly needs leadership, but the bench looks thin. Here are the likely candidates.

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.

Ald. Pérez’s Tiny, Former Jesuit Home

His tiny lot and 840 square-foot home make him a true man of the people. And not much of a gardener.

Feingold’s Progressive Front

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

Jim Sensenbrenner, Civil Libertarian?

Will Wisconsin’s congressman protect us from Obama’s NSA surveillance?

Who Will Run Against Walker?

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

Democrats in Disarray

The firing of its state spokesperson is just another sign the party has lost its way.

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 Rise of MU Law School

How it became the state's leading pollster and a high profile place for public forums.

Stealth Conservatives

Bradley-funded think tank changes its polls and subsidizes Journal Sentinel’s right-wing columnist.

Fitzgerald’s Strangely Sleepy Campaign

Is Jeff Fitzgerald running for U.S. Senator or top lobbyist?

Big donors fueled election

Common Council Passes Vehicle Registration Fee

Senator Russ Feingold presented his upcoming legislation which focuses on encouraging innovation, growth in small business, creating jobs in green energy, linking business with education and capitalizing on research in the fresh water science.  He received input into this legislation from local business leaders, Sheldon Lubar and Joseph Zilber, with the hope of finding solutions that can work nationally but also locally in southeast Wisconsin. The other item of note was the Common Council’s vote to override Mayor Tom Barrett‘s veto of the controversial $20 vehicle registration fee.  The override needed ten votes and received eleven so the vehicle registration fee will be enacted. The vehicle registration fee will eliminate assessments, which have averaged $2500 per household, related to road reconstruction projects within the City of Milwaukee.

Senator Russ Feingold to Address Milwaukee Common Council

As part of the President's Speaker Series, Council President Willie Hines Jr has invited Senator Russ Feingold to address the Common Council on September 2nd. There is a reception before the meeting at 8:30 a.m., followed by the meeting at 9:00 a.m. The meeting and reception are both open to the public.

Residents of Janesville Flock to Milwaukee and Chicago

The title of this post is purely fiction at this point, but is what this writer believes should happen.

Site Reveals D.C. Staffer Salaries

Millionaires Kohl, Sensenbrenner, others Generous with Taxpayer Money

DA Hits Lord With Double Felony Charge

Art Dealer Acted as Middleman in Bud Selig’s $200,000 Matisse Purchase. River Hills Doctor Out $180,000

McGee’s Folly

If you want to get a chuckle and a “no comment” out of a Milwaukee alderman these days, just tell him that Ald. Michael McGee, Jr. “certainly has a way with words.”

Burke Gets Break

The Supreme Court granted a stay Friday, and Burke’s trial is postponed.

Drink for Free

One of the joys of electoral politics is that the polls eventually close on election day and then it is up to us to flock to the parties.

A Chance to Speak Up for North Ave

"The Bronzeville project is one of the most important ventures ever planned for the 6th Aldermanic District, and I believe that it can be a dynamic, credible, and viable venue for the community."

The Kerry Rally

Senator John Kerry paid another visit to Milwaukee on Monday, August 2nd at a public rally in Pere Marquette Park. Gates to the park opened at 4:30 p.m. while the presidential candidate was still racing across Lake Michigan on the Lake Express ferry. Access to Kerry these days requires a thorough screening by security personnel, so by 6 p.m. a line stretched from Plankinton and Kilbourn, the park’s entrance, across the river to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, at which point it headed north, wrapped itself around the building, headed east on E. State Street and finally tapered off at N. Edison Street. For pictures click here. The line moved slowly as security guards checked the attendees, emptied pockets, etc. Once inside the secure enclosure, the crowd was able to buy bottled water and pizza from Amazon Pizza, a fun new spot on W. Wells St. However, many people never made it to the security screening, and they simply camped out along the riverfront, enjoying the event from the Marcus Center riverwalk. It made for a nice sight for cameras, since Candidate Kerry, speaking from a raised platform on the north end of the park, would gesture from time to time toward those on the distant shore. Alas, milwaukeeworld had almost resigned itself to distant coverage of the event, but as it turns out there was a special entrance to the event, and we designed to make it ours. Joe Klein and I headed to Kilbourn and N. Third Street where an officer was in place to tell us that we could not advance to the press table set up in our sight, but out of our reach. Meanwhile, he waved in such prominent figures as Sen. Herb Kohl, Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, Steve Marcus and others, all of whom had red tickets, while we had none. Providentially, Margaret Henningsen showed up on the scene with an extra red ticket, which we begged for and received. The red ticket made us legit for the officer, and we proceeded through our screening, after watching several of the people mentioned above get screened themselves. (Steve Marcus does not look like a guy who gets frisked a lot.) Inside the gates of the special section, where the red-ticketed people go, we were treated to a fascinating caste system in which our “Kerry Edwards From Sea to Shining Sea Believe in America Tour” Press pass marked us as scum. The real media stars, and there were dozens of them, were members of the “Traveling Press.” The Traveling Press spends its time apart from the regular press, and they dine together in a fancy tent. The food was from Chef Pat’s catering. Pat Houlihan said the campaign kept changing its meal plans, but he settled on roast pork sandwiches, a couple of salads, pretzels, soft drinks and Miller Beer. The Traveling Press drinks very little beer, which in the end turned out to be a blessing for Chef Pat’s weary and thirsty crew. The […]

Lautenschlager’s Mess

Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager’s drunk driving arrest last week removes her from behind the wheel of her state-owned vehicle for a year, and puts Governor Jim Doyle in the driver’s seat. The two had squabbled, privately, over terms of the Governor’s jobs bill, with Lautenschlager threatening to use her authority to see that the law comply with the state’s environmental regulations, which she intimated it did not. This sort of independent action by an attorney general is not new in Wisconsin. Doyle was the chief practitioner of it, but then again, he was a Democrat, and the Governor at the time was a Republican. The press has made note that Doyle suggests Lautenschlager forgo some of her pay as a sort of penance for her indiscretion, a matter that remains unresolved at this time. Doyle also suggested that Lautenschlager consider entering a program to treat problem drinkers. He said that he had a number of friends who had been in a similar situation and that the treatment had helped them. In fact, the public admission of guilt and responsibility (which Lautenschlager made) is usually accompanied these days with a prompt acknowledgement that a problem exists. The subject then usually promptly enters a treatment program and completes it, after which the matter is forgotten. Lautenschlager has not made that admission thus far, which leaves her in the position of either not having a “problem” or being “in denial” of it. It does leave Doyle high and dry, however, and much less likely to face interference in his plans from that peskiest of all politicians – an ambitious Attorney General. Walker at the War Memorial County Executive Scott Walker welcomed about 100 well-clad guests to a fundraiser February 26th at the War Memorial Center. The strictly upper-crust affair was a Republican-type fundraiser, which meant that hard liquor was consumed (in moderation) and beer, for the most part, was ignored. For those fans of the frothy stuff, Walker offered Miller products and Heineken. Food was by Ellen’s Prestige Catering, and included strolling waiters, another classy touch. Menu items included spinach somethings, meat and melted cheese on sandwich rounds, wrapped up little salmon tidbits, an entirely unsuccessful raspberry-brie tart, platters of some kind of 21st century sandwich product along with perfectly delicious fruit. The event was unmarred by public oratory, but was enhanced by an A-list of locals practicing up for the next time Bush is in town. Among the exalted: George Dalton, Dennis Kuester (on crutches), Michael Cudahy, mourning the recent death of Daniel Urban Kiley, creator of the $4 million Cudahy garden outside the adjacent Milwaukee Art Museum, Fred Luber, Tim Hoeksma, Carol Skornicka, John Finerty, Jim Weichmann, Joe Rice, Mary Buestrin, Corey Hoze and developer Mark Irgens. Hoze has secured speaker Dennis Hastert to appear at a $2000 fundraiser on his hopeless behalf in his upcoming congressional campaign. That’s rich. Marvin Pratt popped in and worked the crowd for about 20 minutes before his cop told him it was time to […]

My Campaign Blog

Two hundred fifty bucks or a free press pass?

Art Jones Pension better than $100K per year

Two other Mayoral candidates eligible soon

Who’s on Fifth?

An $89 billion bank is muscling its way into the Milwaukee market, and you read about it here first.

Has the Teacher’s Union Taken Over the GOP?

It was not long ago that the state teacher's union was the designated villain for Republicans.

Personal Foul – Norquist Loses Points With the Business Community

The Greater Milwaukee Committee thinks it's found a way to get more revenue for the Milwaukee Bucks.