TCD’s week in review (8/12/12)
Paul Ryan is Mitt Romney's vice presidential nominee, the Greatest Generation is honored at Miller Park, and more on the GOP Primary for U.S. Senate.
WINNERS
Romney’s running mate, Paul Ryan
The political spotlight can’t seem to escape the state of Wisconsin. After a year of rallies and recalls, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney named seven-term congressman Paul Ryan of Janesville his vice presidential running mate aboard the USS Wisconsin on Saturday, Aug. 11. Rep. Ryan, 42, is perhaps best known as the chair of the House Budget Committee, and his many controversial budget proposals, including his most recent, “The Path To Prosperity: A Blueprint for American Renewal.” His proposals, according to the Washington Post, would “fundamentally re-shape Medicare and other social safety net programs in an attempt to get the country’s fiscal house in order.” Ryan has emerged as one of the most influential Republicans in recent years, and according to Nate Silver of the New York Times, ranks as the most conservative vice presidential nominee in more than 100 years. Ryan is also up for re-election in Wisconsin’s first congressional district this fall, though Wisconsin law allows for Ryan to run for both seats.
While Romney’s selection of Ryan affirms the GOP ticket’s commitment to running on economic and budgetary issues, an interesting debate could present itself as it pertains to foreign policy, which is not something considered to be Romney or Ryan’s strong suit.
Tommy Thompson
The Marquette University Law Poll, released on Wednesday, Aug. 8, shows former governor Tommy Thompson with the lead going into tomorrow’s GOP Primary for U.S. Senate. Other polls in recent weeks showed Eric Hovde ahead of Thompson and that Mark Neumann was even with the former governor. The Marquette Poll, however, has Thompson at 28 percent, followed by Hovde at 20 percent, Neumann at 18 percent, and Jeff Fitzgerald at 13 percent. 21 percent remain undecided. Though Hovde and Neumann have closed the gap since Marquette’s July 5-8 poll, Thompson still has a significant lead. One metric that has separated the Marquette Poll from other polls is its use of cell phone polling.
Reopenings
The Rosebud Cinema, which was closed in March, will now reopen on August 22. There is no word just yet on the film that will screen at the opening, but you can like the Rosebud Cinema Facebook page for more information. Also set to reopen in the near future is the Historic Turner Restaurant. The restaurant will be open during Bradley Center and Turner Hall events (approximately 250 days a year) and will be ready to go by the 2012-2013 “sports and concert season.”
The Greatest Generation
A record-setting tribute took place at Miller Park on Saturday, as 28,442 people were in attendance for “Field of Honor: A Salute to the Greatest Generation,” featuring the feature-length premiere of the film, “Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.” The documentary, filmed by Wauwatosa native Dan Hayes, is about the the sacrifices made by Greatest Generation as well as the Honor Flight itself, which provides free trips to Washington D.C. to give World War II veterans the chance to see the World War II Memorial built in their honor.
LOSERS
Wisconsin’s State Assembly leader has come in last in every recent poll in the Republican Primary for U.S. Senate, and it remains unclear why he chose to run in the primary.
Gas Prices
The price of a gallon of gas is once again on the rise, with prices nearing $4 per gallon in the Milwaukee area.
The Corner Bar
The number of family-owned corner bars is on the decline. Last year, only 127 family-owned taverns renewed their Class B license, down from 308 in 2000, and a number estimated in the thousands more than 50 years ago.
