Jon Richards is a former representative in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

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Content referencing Jon Richards

Marisabel for Milwaukee Campaign: I am a pro-choice LGBT leader, and I am proud of my advocacy for immigrants and women
Marisabel Cabrera Brings Experience and Dedication to Circuit Court Campaign
The State of Politics: Where Are Act 10 Players Today?
The State of Politics

Where Are Act 10 Players Today?

Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.

Mayor Tom Barrett endorses Judge Jon Richards
Judge Candidate Switches Races

Judge Candidate Switches Races

Attorney Susan Roth switches to run for Judge Fiorenza's seat, who resigns and will support Roth.

Susan Roth Announces Candidacy Shift to Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Branch 3
Press Release

Susan Roth Announces Candidacy Shift to Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Branch 3

Retiring Judge Clare L. Fiorenza endorses Roth, joins large list of supporters

Appeals Court Judges Joe Donald and Maxine White endorse Judge Jon Richards
Former Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler endorses Judge Jon Richards
Campaign Launched to Retain Jon Richards as Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge
Press Release

Campaign Launched to Retain Jon Richards as Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge

Richards was appointed to Branch 30 by Governor Evers last month

Evers Appointment Shakes Up Judicial Race

Evers Appointment Shakes Up Judicial Race

Schwantes drops out of circuit court race, endorses Evers' appointee Jon Richards.

Gov. Evers Appoints Jon Richards and Reyna Morales to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Vote Absentee: Milwaukee County Circuit Court – Branch 5
Vote Absentee

Milwaukee County Circuit Court – Branch 5

Blomme vs Dedinsky in one of two contested Milwaukee County circuit court races.

Vote Tuesday: Circuit Court Candidates
Vote Tuesday

Circuit Court Candidates

Three candidates competing for judgeship.

Chris Larson Earns More Endorsements than Other Candidates Combined
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.”

Fund for Lake Michigan Partners with Take Back My Meds MKE

Contribution to JoCasta Zamarripa of $50

Fund for Lake Michigan Partners with Take Back My Meds MKE
Press Release

Fund for Lake Michigan Partners with Take Back My Meds MKE

Grant will help keep drugs out of Lake Michigan

Campaign Cash: Harley Gave Generously to Republicans
Campaign Cash

Harley Gave Generously to Republicans

So did Sartori Foods. Both now hurt by Trump tariffs.

Plenty of Horne: Kovac Raises Money for Reelection
Plenty of Horne

Kovac Raises Money for Reelection

Politicians, city officials and other notables chow down on food from Glorioso's.

Rep. Barca Appoints Jon Richards Interim Chief of Staff
Press Release

Rep. Barca Appoints Jon Richards Interim Chief of Staff

Richards served in the legislature from 1999-2015

Richards joins Ziino, Germanotta, Knoll & Christensen as Partner
Press Release

Richards joins Ziino, Germanotta, Knoll & Christensen as Partner

He has been assisting Milwaukee-area families and small businesses with their legal needs for more than 20 years.

Milwaukee Leaders Endorse Johnny Thomas for City Comptroller
Press Release

Milwaukee Leaders Endorse Johnny Thomas for City Comptroller

“Johnny Thomas is the person that we need to be our next Milwaukee City Comptroller,” said Alderman Willie Wade.

Gwen Connolly campaign showing huge momentum
Press Release

Gwen Connolly campaign showing huge momentum

After her opponent this week jumped to the Branch 31 race, Connolly is widely seen as the prohibitive favorite to be the next judge in Branch 44.

Attorneys and judges rally behind Gwen Connolly in race for Circuit Court Judge
Press Release

Attorneys and judges rally behind Gwen Connolly in race for Circuit Court Judge

Milwaukee—Gwen Connolly today announced the endorsement of more than 160 additional attorneys and eleven more current and former judges in her race for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Branch 44, underlining her broad support in the legal community. Connolly previously announced the endorsement of more than a dozen circuit court and municipal judges, and many attorneys working to serve the poor. “Gwen Connolly is the right choice at the right time,” said Judge David Borowski. “She understands the law, the role of attorneys and judges, and commands the respect of her colleagues in the courtroom. She will be an excellent judge.” “It is an honor to have the support of so many of my colleagues in legal profession, all of whom share my vision for a justice system that works for the citizens of Milwaukee County,” said Connolly, a well-known consumer advocate. “I have been practicing law for more than 20 years, and in that time I have gained a true understanding of the law and how it applies in the real world. I’m ready to get to work.” “Gwen Connolly is an excellent lawyer and more than qualified to take on the role of a Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge,” said Attorney Eduardo Borda. “She advocates for citizens with wisdom and understanding, and as a judge, she would bring fairness, impartiality, and knowledge to the bench. She is the best choice and I am proud to support her. Gwen Connolly would make a superb judge.” “I have worked with Gwen for years, and I have seen firsthand the passion and commitment that she brings to everything she does,” said Attorney Margaret Hickey. “She works diligently for her clients and with excellent ethics. I am sure she will bring the same level of dedication to the bench.” “Gwen has a true commitment to her community both inside and outside the courtroom,” said Attorney Joseph Alioto. “Her desire to help others and her work to make Milwaukee County a better place has won her recognition from her colleagues, the State Bar, Legal Action, and the American Legion. She is the right person for the job, and I hope others will join me in supporting her.” “Gwen Connolly is the best choice for Branch 44,” said Attorney Jackie Boynton. “She is fair, understands the law, and truly appreciates the Milwaukee community. She’s well-positioned to succeed in any courtroom and I’m proud to be supporting her.” The following judges and attorneys today endorsed Gwen Connolly for Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge, Branch 44. The Honorable David L. Borowski, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge The Honorable Jane V. Carroll, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge The Honorable Dennis Moroney, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge The Honorable Ralph Ramirez, Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge The Honorable J.D. Watts, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge The Honorable Timothy Witkowiak, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge The Honorable Paul Christensen, Whitefish Bay Municipal Court Judge The Honorable Donald Hassin, former Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge The Honorable Joseph McCormack, former Ozaukee […]

Murphy’s Law: The Twisted Tale of Talgo
Murphy’s Law

The Twisted Tale of Talgo

Settlement forces state to pay more for trains it didn’t get, leaving it with slower Amtrak trains.

Talgo to keep trains, get $10 million more in settlement
Citation

Talgo to keep trains, get $10 million more in settlement

Embattled U.S. Attorney James Santelle to step down
Citation

Embattled U.S. Attorney James Santelle to step down

House Confidential: Rep. Brostoff’s Historic East Side Condo
House Confidential

Rep. Brostoff’s Historic East Side Condo

The new assemblyman lives in an 1870s building once used for rooming houses, but now elegantly refurbished, like most of the neighborhood.

Milwaukee Small Group Insurance Cost Over 33% Higher Than Minneapolis
Press Release

Milwaukee Small Group Insurance Cost Over 33% Higher Than Minneapolis

Report finds Wisconsin small businesses paying more for health coverage than Minnesota on average because of failure to use available tools.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground
Eyes on Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground

"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.

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.

Plenty of Horne: Abele Goes O-fer On Election Night
Plenty of Horne

Abele Goes O-fer On Election Night

Sheriff Clarke wins democratic primary. Plus: The rest of election night's winners and losers.

Plenty of Horne: For Rail or Trail
Plenty of Horne

For Rail or Trail

A path along the lake could connect cyclists/hikers to Ozaukee County, but coal freight is hogging the line.

The State of Politics: Pick Tuesday’s Primary Winners
The State of Politics

Pick Tuesday’s Primary Winners

Burke v. Hulsey won't be close. But the 19th Assembly District Democratic primary looks to be very competitive, who will win it?

Murphy’s Law: Handicapping the Democratic Race for Attorney General
Murphy’s Law

Handicapping the Democratic Race for Attorney General

Jon Richards is the favorite. But is he the best choice?

All Four Attorney General Candidates Back Open Records

All Four Attorney General Candidates Back Open Records

They support open meetings rules for lawmakers and full access to online court records.

The State of Politics: Wide-Open Battle for 19th Assembly District
The State of Politics

Wide-Open Battle for 19th Assembly District

Four talented candidates battling for open district which runs from Bay View to East Side.

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?

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.

The State of Politics: Mud Fight for Attorney General?
The State of Politics

Mud Fight for Attorney General?

The three Democrats running all have similar stands, so may have to attack each other to stand out.

Assembly Hopefuls To Discuss Issues, Take Questions From Voters June 5 at East Side Candidate Forum
Press Release

Assembly Hopefuls To Discuss Issues, Take Questions From Voters June 5 at East Side Candidate Forum

The four Democratic candidates for Wisconsin Assembly District 19 will discuss their positions and take questions from voters at a candidate forum 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday June 5 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2618 N. Hackett Avenue.

Assembly Hopefuls To Discuss Issues, Take Questions From Voters June 5 at East Side Candidate Forum
Press Release

Assembly Hopefuls To Discuss Issues, Take Questions From Voters June 5 at East Side Candidate Forum

The four Democratic candidates for Wisconsin Assembly District 19 will discuss their positions and take questions from voters at a candidate forum 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday June 5 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2618 N. Hackett Avenue.

The State of Politics: Wisconsin Not a Leader in Drunken Driving?
The State of Politics

Wisconsin Not a Leader in Drunken Driving?

New study says other states are worse. But experts say Wisconsin still has far to go on this issue.

The State of Politics: Casualties of War
The State of Politics

Casualties of War

The war over Act 10 may be a key reason 46% of legislators have left or will leave in just over two years.

Rep. Richards Urges Gov. Walker to Sign ShotSpotter Expansion
Press Release

Rep. Richards Urges Gov. Walker to Sign ShotSpotter Expansion

A bill to partially restore a $445,000 cut to the Milwaukee Police Department’s gunshot sensor program is headed to Gov. Scott Walker’s desk.

Plenty of Horne: Get Your Vote On
Plenty of Horne

Get Your Vote On

Early voting already underway for spring election, and memorials planned for Debra Usinger and Donna Schlieman.

House Confidential: The House of Hank the Dog
House Confidential

The House of Hank the Dog

The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.

Brostoff endorses Richards for Wisconsin attorney general
Press Release

Brostoff endorses Richards for Wisconsin attorney general

Jonathan Brostoff, candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly District 19, announced his endorsement today of State Representative Jon Richards for Wisconsin attorney general.

Plenty of Horne: Marquette Likely to Get Its Own Police Force
Plenty of Horne

Marquette Likely to Get Its Own Police Force

Bill would give MU police the power to arrest on and off campus, and pursue criminals anywhere in the state.

Rep. Richards Moves to Criminalize First Drunken Driving Offenses
Press Release

Rep. Richards Moves to Criminalize First Drunken Driving Offenses

Rep. Jon Richards unveiled legislation to criminalize first-offense drunken driving.

$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.

Rep. Richards Applauds Move to Provide $175,000 for ShotSpotter
Press Release

Rep. Richards Applauds Move to Provide $175,000 for ShotSpotter

Rep. Jon Richards released the following statement in support of a proposal announced today to provide $175,000 in state funds for the Milwaukee Police Department’s ShotSpotter Program.

The State of Politics: Drunk Driving Becomes Campaign Issue
The State of Politics

Drunk Driving Becomes Campaign Issue

Issue of whether to make first-time OWI a crime is hot issue in attorney general race.

Plenty of Horne: Goodbye Faye McBeath Foundation
Plenty of Horne

Goodbye Faye McBeath Foundation

The foundation created by a Milwaukee Journal heir gave untold millions to local causes since 1960s, but will spend its final assets this year.

Rep. Richards Reaffirms Call to Pass Universal Background Checks Law
Press Release

Rep. Richards Reaffirms Call to Pass Universal Background Checks Law

Today, Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee) reaffirmed his call for a public hearing and passage of his bill to require criminal background checks for all firearms transactions in Wisconsin.

Murphy’s Law: Crazy Casino Politics
Murphy’s Law

Crazy Casino Politics

Both Gov. Walker and Mary Burke have mishandled the Kenosha Casino issue.

Plenty of Horne: Campaign Season Kicks Off
Plenty of Horne

Campaign Season Kicks Off

Politicos flock to Jon Richards fundraiser, and judicial candidate Janet C. Protasiewicz's event.

Plenty of Horne: Marina Will Battle Geenan for Assembly Seat
Plenty of Horne

Marina Will Battle Geenan for Assembly Seat

Dimitrijevic and Geenan are already competing for labor support.

Plenty of Horne: Larson Aide May Run for Richards Seat
Plenty of Horne

Larson Aide May Run for Richards Seat

Plus: problems for the Bucks' Larry Sanders and redevelopment at Reed Street Yards.

Plenty of Horne: Brookfield Square Welcomes County Buses
Plenty of Horne

Brookfield Square Welcomes County Buses

Unlike Southridge and other suburban malls, Brookfield Square actually runs ads to attract bus-riding city residents.

Plenty of Horne: Four May Run for Richards’ Assembly Seat
Plenty of Horne

Four May Run for Richards’ Assembly Seat

The biggest name: sources say county board chair Marina Dimitrijevic is preparing to run.

Plenty of Horne: Mary Nohl vs. NIMBY
Plenty of Horne

Mary Nohl vs. NIMBY

Proposal to open artist Mary Nohl's home to the public leaves Fox Point residents crying "not in my back yard!"

Retiring With Guns Blazing

Retiring With Guns Blazing

Several politicians have announced retirement, some diplomatically, others firing shots at their opponents.

Plenty of Horne: Jon Richards Will Run for Attorney General
Plenty of Horne

Jon Richards Will Run for Attorney General

Like Abe Lincoln, Richards has been practicing law all across the state in preparation for his run.

Plenty of Horne: Why We Lost the Marsupial Bridge Swings
Plenty of Horne

Why We Lost the Marsupial Bridge Swings

The city hasn't allocated money to maintain them. Should the nearby Business Improvement District adopt them?

Rep. Richards Congratulates Wisconsin LGBT Chamber on One-Year Anniversary
Press Release

Rep. Richards Congratulates Wisconsin LGBT Chamber on One-Year Anniversary

Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee) issued the following statement congratulating the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce on their one-year anniversary and the addition of their 100th member.

Plenty of Horne: Brewing as a Conceptual Art
Plenty of Horne

Brewing as a Conceptual Art

Brenner Brewing has a ways to go before it functions as a working brewery. Plus: a fundraiser for the anti-Clarke candidate.

State Budget Committee’s Rep. Richards commends county leaders for vote in support of BadgerCare
Press Release

State Budget Committee’s Rep. Richards commends county leaders for vote in support of BadgerCare

County Leaders Say Strengthen BadgerCare as Walker Gets Ready to Drop Coverage for 92,000 People

Plenty of Horne: Shocking Conditions at the Courthouse
Plenty of Horne

Shocking Conditions at the Courthouse

Court Commissioner Barry Slagle electrocuted in scary, unreported incident at courthouse.

Murray Ave Parklet Takes It to the Street

Murray Ave Parklet Takes It to the Street

Parking spots on Milwaukee's East Side converted into a dining area.

Rep. Richards to Introduce Legislation for Milwaukee Police Overtime Pay
Press Release

Rep. Richards to Introduce Legislation for Milwaukee Police Overtime Pay

Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), a member of the Joint Finance Committee, today announced he will be introducing legislation to provide for $500,000 in state matching funds to boost city policing in the City of Milwaukee.

Photo Gallery: East Library Groundbreaking
Photo Gallery

East Library Groundbreaking

Photos capture groundbreaking for new mixed-use development combining East Library, retail and apartments. Take that, Bayshore.

Federal Court Hands Governor Walker Third Defeat This Month
Press Release

Federal Court Hands Governor Walker Third Defeat This Month

Health care lawsuit against his administration moves forward

Budget Puts Extreme Policies before Middle-Class Families
Press Release

Budget Puts Extreme Policies before Middle-Class Families

Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), a member of the legislature’s budget committee, issued the following statement on passage of the budget.

Republican budget turns $700 million surplus into $300 million structural deficit
Press Release

Republican budget turns $700 million surplus into $300 million structural deficit

Massive tax cuts for the wealthy take priority over public schools

GOP wraps up budget panel work spending money taken from school kids on tax break for the rich
Press Release

GOP wraps up budget panel work spending money taken from school kids on tax break for the rich

Press Release from Rep. Barca, Rep. Mason, and Rep. Ricards.

GOP Adopts Ideological Health Care Plan that Costs Taxpayers More, Insures Fewer People
Press Release

GOP Adopts Ideological Health Care Plan that Costs Taxpayers More, Insures Fewer People

Republicans attempted to disguise the issue by saying that those people could simply buy private coverage in the exchanges, but failed to note that their plan does not make that insurance affordable for them.

Independent analysis confirms GOP flat tax plan is massive tax giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of middle-class taxpayers
Press Release

Independent analysis confirms GOP flat tax plan is massive tax giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of middle-class taxpayers

A new Republican flat tax plan would pay big dividends for Wisconsin’s most well off at the expense of the middle class, according to an independent analysis of the plan released today.

Republicans Dust Off Failed ‘Trickle Down’ Experiments of the Past
Press Release

Republicans Dust Off Failed ‘Trickle Down’ Experiments of the Past

New GOP Flat Tax Scheme Benefits Wealthy at the Expense of Public Schools, Middle Class

Walker food stamp plan puts mean-spirited ideology before taxpayers, common sense
Press Release

Walker food stamp plan puts mean-spirited ideology before taxpayers, common sense

Madison—Governor Scott Walker wants state taxpayers to pay an extra $16.7 million per year on his plan to take food off the tables of 31,350 low-income Wisconsinites.

Republican Finance Committee chairs rush to pump taxpayer money into broken jobs agency
Press Release

Republican Finance Committee chairs rush to pump taxpayer money into broken jobs agency

Democratic call for full public and expert scrutiny of WEDC ignored by GOP leaders

Audit of Gov. Walker’s Jobs Agency Confirms Worst Fears
Press Release

Audit of Gov. Walker’s Jobs Agency Confirms Worst Fears

WEDC fails as Wisconsin ranks last in Midwest for Job Growth

Important information from Alderman Michael J. Murphy
Press Release

Important information from Alderman Michael J. Murphy

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important information from Alderman Jim Bohl
Press Release

Important information from Alderman Jim Bohl

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important information from Alderman Joe Dudzik
Important information from Alderman Nik Kovac
Press Release

Important information from Alderman Nik Kovac

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important Information from Alderman Willie C. Wade
Press Release

Important Information from Alderman Willie C. Wade

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

First budget day showcases a Tale of Two Budgets
Press Release

First budget day showcases a Tale of Two Budgets

Democratic JFC members note the Walker budget repeats the mistakes of the last budget that left Wisconsin 44th in the nation in job creation.

New Front Door for Lakefront

New Front Door for Lakefront

Dramatic plan moves freeway ramps and creates a grand boulevard that connects downtown and the lakefront.

Plan to Strengthen BadgerCare Unveiled at State Capitol
Press Release

Plan to Strengthen BadgerCare Unveiled at State Capitol

Provides another stepping stone to rebuilding Wisconsin’s middle-class

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. Richards’ Statement on Updated Revenue Projections
Press Release

Rep. Richards’ Statement on Updated Revenue Projections

Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), a member of the legislature’s budget-writing committee, released the following statement in response to the new revenue estimates released today by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

Plenty of Horne: Neighbors Boiling Over Boylston Plan
Plenty of Horne

Neighbors Boiling Over Boylston Plan

Too much congestion, they complain. Ald. Kovac is feeling the heat.

Event Invitation from Alderman Nik Kovac
Press Release

Event Invitation from Alderman Nik Kovac

Alderman Nik Kovac, along with State Senator Chris Larson and State Representative Jon Richards, invites residents to a Community Town Hall meeting:

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.

Rep. Richards Reappointed to Joint Finance Committee
Press Release

Rep. Richards Reappointed to Joint Finance Committee

Creating jobs and helping middle class are top priorities for Milwaukee lawmaker

Rep. Richards Proposes Requiring Background Checks for All Wisconsin Gun Sales
Press Release

Rep. Richards Proposes Requiring Background Checks for All Wisconsin Gun Sales

Today, Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee) announced he is drafting legislation to require background checks for all gun purchases in Wisconsin.

New Wisconsin Health Insurance Cost Ranking
Press Release

New Wisconsin Health Insurance Cost Ranking

Milwaukee and Racine Have Highest Health Insurance Costs in State for 2013

Rep. Richards: Gov. Walker needs to “shut the door” on ending same-day voter registration
Press Release

Rep. Richards: Gov. Walker needs to “shut the door” on ending same-day voter registration

No victory for voters or taxpayers until a veto is promised

Rep. Richards’ Huffington Post blog: Gov. Walker, GOP Allies Put Voter Suppression Ahead of Helping the Middle Class
Press Release

Rep. Richards’ Huffington Post blog: Gov. Walker, GOP Allies Put Voter Suppression Ahead of Helping the Middle Class

In his latest blog post on the Huffington Post website, Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee) calls on Gov. Scott Walker and legislative Republicans to drop their plans to end same-day voter registration.

In Defense of Same Day Registration
Press Release

In Defense of Same Day Registration

Mayor Barrett, government and community leaders, speak out against Governor Walker’s proposal to eliminate same day registration

Murphy’s Law: The Anti-Health Care Governor?
Murphy’s Law

The Anti-Health Care Governor?

Even as Scott Walker throws people off health care, he opposes federal programs that would increase coverage and lower costs.

Rep. Richards calls on Gov. Walker to renounce arresting federal officials who are doing their jobs
Press Release

Rep. Richards calls on Gov. Walker to renounce arresting federal officials who are doing their jobs

Today Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), the ranking member on the Assembly Committee on Health, released the following statement calling on Gov. Walker to oppose any legislation that would call for the arrest of federal officials who try to implement the Affordable Care Act in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Taxi Cab Medallion Bill Passes Assembly

Milwaukee Taxi Cab Medallion Bill Passes Assembly

The City of Milwaukee is working on state legislation to allow the City to profit from the sale of additional taxi cab permits (to be called medallions) and address the perceived shortage of taxi cabs in the city. Currently under Wisconsin law, permit and license fees can not exceed the cost to issue said permits. This gives the Common Council and Mayor little incentive to raise the cap on the number of permits (currently capped at the seemingly random number of 321 since 1992), despite the fact that the permits are changing hands in the private market for between $80,000 to $150,000.

Doyle’s Decision Could Send Ripples Through Milwaukee’s Political Landscape

Doyle’s Decision Could Send Ripples Through Milwaukee’s Political Landscape

Governor Doyle's announcement that he will not be seeking a third term could send ripples through Milwaukee's political landscape. The most commonly mentioned named Democratic Party members that may run for Governor include, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.

South Shore Listening Session Recap

South Shore Listening Session Recap

Following the veto of Milwaukee County transit sales tax by Governor Doyle, Representative Christine Sinicki, Senate Jeff Plale, and Representative Jon Richards held a listening session at the South Shore Park Pavilion.

Plenty of Horne: Whose Scandal is it, Anyway?
Plenty of Horne

Whose Scandal is it, Anyway?

Republicans try, fail to shift blame to Dems on Kenilworth project

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: Voting With The Mayor
The Roundup

Voting With The Mayor

Mayor Barrett’s office announced Monday that he would vote at City Hall at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

The Roundup: Dem Challenge for Panzer Seat
The Roundup

Dem Challenge for Panzer Seat

The disarray of the Republican 20th Senate District has convinced the Democratic Party to field a write-in candidate for primary.

The Roundup: ABC and the Gay Governor
The Roundup

ABC and the Gay Governor

The catch, is that McGreevey announced he was gay, while the lover says he, himself, is straight.

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: Changes at the Election Commission
The Roundup

Changes at the Election Commission

 

The Roundup: Lautenschlager’s Fast Ones – Past Speeding Tickets Raise Residency Issues
The Roundup

Lautenschlager’s Fast Ones – Past Speeding Tickets Raise Residency Issues

Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager exploits a legal loophole.

The Roundup: Lautenschlager’s Mess
The Roundup

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 […]

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The Roundup

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The Roundup

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Murphy’s Law

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Murphy’s Law

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