Robin Vos Wants to Gag Citizens
Shared revenue bill would outlaw advisory referendums.
May 7th, 2023
State Supreme Race Shows Need for Campaign Finance Reform
Now that Republicans got outspent in big money race, will they back any reforms?
Apr 10th, 2023
Kaul Should Charge Ron Johnson, 10 Fake Electors
Illegal efforts to overturn 2020 election should be prosecuted by Attorney General.
Jan 8th, 2023
How State Supreme Court Races Got So Partisan
Outside groups spent $27,000 on 2003 race. By 2020 that rose to $5 million.
Dec 17th, 2022
Gerrymandering Wins In 2022 Election
Results show how voters are robbed of representation.
Nov 22nd, 2022
Wisconsin Needs Direct Democracy
Other states have binding referendums. Evers' call for it echoes Gov. McGovern 111 years ago.
Sep 25th, 2022
State Supreme Court Ruling Reinforces Gerrymandering
Letting Prehn stay on DNR board overrides the will of all voters in the state.
Jul 1st, 2022
Who Will Vos Appoint to Elections Commission?
Will he have the courage to appoint someone who tells the truth and follows the law?
May 28th, 2022
Authoritarianism Can Happen Here
Trump’s defeat merely interrupted anti-democracy movement, expert warns.
May 7th, 2022
Rick Esenberg’s Brutal Views On Disabled People
WILL leader pushes state high court to prevent severely disabled from voting.
Apr 16th, 2022
Justice Thomas, Recusal And Wisconsin
U.S. and Wisconsin Supreme Court justices need not recuse no matter how flagrant the conflict of interest.
Mar 31st, 2022
Republicans Restrict Right To Vote
Ramming through 5 bills making it harder to vote and hog tying nonpartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission.
Mar 1st, 2022
Group Pushes Dane County DA To Prosecute False Electors
'All 10 convened in Dane County to carry out their unlawful plan,’ Law Forward writes.
Feb 21st, 2022
Uihlein Super PAC Bankrolls Kleefisch Campaign
Conservative co-owner of Uline Co. gives $200,000 Republican Rebecca Kleefisch's campaign.
Jan 18th, 2022
Wisconsin’s January 6 Collaborators
25 Republicans who sought to overturn a legal election.
Jan 9th, 2022
How To End Prison Gerrymandering
It is particularly harmful to cities like Milwaukee. From Matt Rothschild's new book, 'Twelve Ways to Save Democracy in Wisconsin.'
Dec 16th, 2021
Michael Gableman Has No Shame
Head of GOP election probe was a nasty bully, making slanderous, irresponsible charges to Assembly committee.
Dec 5th, 2021
Audit Bureau Does Hatchet Job on Elections Commission
Nonpartisan agency departs from traction with biased report.
Oct 31st, 2021
State Supreme Court Wrong To Take On Redistricting Case
A violation of precedent, of state statutes and federal law.
Sep 26th, 2021
Please Submit Maps to Legislature
Vos has welcomed this, apparently fearing he’d look bad for overtly opposing non-partisan redistricting.
Aug 29th, 2021
Vos Kisses Trump’s Ring
Humbling himself to placate right-wing zealots calling for Assembly Speaker's head.
Aug 23rd, 2021
Inmates In Jail Have A Right To Vote
Unless they are felons. But state policies make it difficult for them to vote.
Jun 30th, 2021
Robin Vos Isn’t Rightwing Enough?
Some Republicans seek to strip him of his Assembly Speaker position.
Jun 29th, 2021
State’s Faith Leaders Decry Anti-Voter Bills
88 faith leaders and 17 faith organizations decry state bills making it harder to vote
Jun 13th, 2021
Boycott the Uline Corporation
Company gave millions to group sponsoring Capitol insurrection, opposed pandemic measures, endangered employees’ health.
Mar 14th, 2021
Say No To a Constitutional Convention
Legislators pushing for this again. Why it's a bad idea
Mar 4th, 2021
Legislative Committees Exceed Donation Limits
Both parties' campaign committees violate campaign law limit, watchdog group finds.
Feb 25th, 2021
Republican Bill Makes Voting Harder
List of restrictions will make it less likely that disabled, nursing home residents and others vote.
Feb 24th, 2021
The Lessons of Impeachment
Not much Republican courage. And lots of demagoguery from Ron Johnson.
Feb 15th, 2021
Wisconsin is ‘Late to the Pot Party’
Marijuana prohibition currently produces racially disparate drug arrests, costs the state millions.
Feb 11th, 2021
Republican COVID Callousness
Legislators wrong to criticize inmates getting the vaccine when prison infection rates are so high.
Feb 4th, 2021
State’s Democrats Outraised GOP in 2020
Democrats raised 2.5 times more in funding than Republicans.
Jan 23rd, 2021
10 Ways to Fend Off the Far Right
It’s now clear America faces a dangerous far right anti-democracy movement. What can you do?
Jan 12th, 2021
Why No One Should Have Been Surprised
It was all there in Trump’s words — going back years.
Jan 10th, 2021
Beware of Trump Declaring Martial Law
He discussed doing it last week. It raises long-term questions about presidential power.
Dec 23rd, 2020
Dear Wisconsin Supreme Court
Please follow normal procedures and allow all petitioners to be heard on critical issue of gerrymandering.
Nov 23rd, 2020
Amy Coney Barrett Is Not Pro-Life
She opposes Affordable Care Act and ignores guidelines for masks, social distancing.
Oct 18th, 2020
The George Floyds of Wisconsin
11 Black men, one Latino male killed by police in last decade in state. When will it end?
Aug 25th, 2020
Trump Has Enormous “Emergency” Powers
1978 law gives president 123 statutory powers. He could round up a lot of people, a lot of groups.
Jul 27th, 2020
Don’t Let Utilities Shut Off People’s Power
PSC decision allows utilities in Wisconsin to start disconnecting power as of July 25.
Jul 15th, 2020
Appeals Court Allows Suppression of Black Votes
Cynical decision allows Republican suppression because it's all part of a partisan game.
Jul 1st, 2020
8 More Counties Plan Referendum on Gerrymandering
51 of 72 counties support non-partisan redistricting, 8 more counties will vote in November.
Jun 29th, 2020
Fighting to Make Voting Easier
Increasing absentee ballots will be good for democracy.
Jun 26th, 2020
Jensen Tries to Pre-Rig Redistricting
To maintain gerrymandering, neutralize governor, wants to give state Supreme Court the whip hand.
Jun 9th, 2020
Dan Kelly Wants Revenge
He recused from voter purge case. After losing election the lame duck Supreme Court Justice has changed his mind.
Jun 2nd, 2020
IRS Opens Door to Foreign, Dark Money
Ends rule requiring nonprofits spending on campaigns to disclose names of anyone giving $5,000 or more.
Jun 1st, 2020
The Lethal Idiocy of MacIver Institute
“Freedom” and the “free market” won’t solve the pandemic. It will spread the disease.
Apr 24th, 2020
51 of 72 Counties Now Back Fair Maps
9 more counties and 15 more municipalities passed anti-gerrymandering referendums.
Apr 15th, 2020
23 Advisory Votes on Gerrymandering
9 counties, 14 municipalities in state will have referendums in spring election.
Mar 25th, 2020
Vote Down the Flawed Marsy’s Law
Corporations have already abused this law meant to provide crime victims special rights.
Mar 19th, 2020
Public Hearings Should Have Ample Notice
Last minute notices of meetings assures that legislation is passed with little or no public input.
Mar 7th, 2020
Proposal Would Ban Gerrymandering
Fair Maps Constitutional Amendment would amend state constitution, require non-partisan redistricting.
Jan 13th, 2020
Elections Commission Stands Up for Voters
By resisting judge’s order to purge voter rolls, state commission resists voter suppression.
Dec 19th, 2019
Business Lobby Wants Limits on Competitors
WMC report calls for prohibiting local governments from hiring state lobbyists.
Dec 11th, 2019
Evers Bows to Business Group
“My administration continues to support the work you’re doing,” he tells right-wing WMC.
Aug 15th, 2019
Remembering Justice Stevens
He died at age 99, but his dissent in Citizens United case lives on.
Jul 18th, 2019
State High Court Sides With Big Donor
Overrules appeals court, favoring Enbridge Co. and WMC, which donated millions to justices.
Jul 1st, 2019
Waupaca County Opposes Gerrymandering
Conservative-leaning county’s board vote means 46 (of 72) state counties now favor non-partisan redistricting.
Apr 29th, 2019
Two More Counties Vote To Ban Gerrymandering
50 counties’ voters or their boards have now voted for nonpartisan redistricting.
Apr 4th, 2019
Scott Walker Has a New Job!
And if his group succeeds, it could do untold damage to American democracy.
Mar 20th, 2019
Larson Bills Reform Campaign Finance
Would reduce donation limits, increase transparency requirements.
Feb 7th, 2019
Rep. Sargent Pushes Campaign Reform
Democratic proposal would add restrictions on campaign donations.
Jan 18th, 2019
Why I Oppose Marsy’s Law
State holds hearing on bill that’s arguably unconstitutional and a proposal bankrolled by a billionaire.
Jan 13th, 2019
Top 10 Stories of 2018 Affecting Democracy
How Wisconsin went forward -- and backward -- in democratic government.
Dec 29th, 2018
The Fight Against Voter Suppression
Georgia’s targeting of minority voters highlights a national Republican strategy, including in Wisconsin.
Oct 17th, 2018
Crony Capitalism of Walker, Hammes, Foxconn
Walker donor gets $100 million Foxconn project for which his company has no experience.
May 22nd, 2018
More Vote Against Citizens United
52% of state, in 129 communities, have now passed referendums to bar unlimited corporate donations.
Apr 10th, 2018
New Laws Could Decide High Court Race
2015 law allows unlimited spending, Screnock already taking advantage of this.
Feb 15th, 2018
Senate “Hatchet Job” Removes Haas, Bell
What did they do wrong? “I have no idea,” Fitzgerald admits, but demands firings.
Jan 24th, 2018
Walker’s Reliance on Outside Donations
Governor decries them, but no candidate in state is more reliant on them.
Jan 4th, 2018
High Court Gives Prosecutors More Power
State Supreme Court overrules statute and high court ruling previously cited 168 times.
Dec 22nd, 2017
Law Stacks Constitutional Convention
Wisconsin 28th state to approve convention; 7 of 9 state delegates would be Republican.
Dec 1st, 2017
Walker Says He Fears “Outside Money”
But he’s been a huge beneficiary of donations from outside the state.
Nov 13th, 2017
Hunters, Wildlife Groups Oppose Wetlands Bill
Bill threatens 1 million acres of wetlands, pushed by state’s largest business lobby.
Oct 19th, 2017
How Legislature is Bypassing the Courts
Foxconn law builds on 2013 law that restricts court review of state legislation.
Sep 15th, 2017
24 Counties Have Voted for Fair Maps
They passed resolutions calling for nonpartisan redistricting to end gerrymandering.
Aug 25th, 2017
High Court Buries Recusal Decision
Rejection of recusal petition by 50 judges quietly released on July 4th weekend.
Jul 6th, 2017
GOP’s “Riot” Bill Is Unconstitutional
Aimed at college students, infringes freedom of speech, assembly
May 19th, 2017
Disclose All Donations to Judges
Bill requires prompt disclosure of donations by parties to a case.
Apr 28th, 2017
High Court Wrongly Rejects Recusal
Dumps proposal by 54 retired judges, assures big money influence.
Apr 21st, 2017
Iowa Copies Walker, Kills Unions
Following his advice, state's GOP legislators end public union rights.
Apr 14th, 2017
Bill Gives Public Waters to Fish Farming
Two lawmakers proposing it got donations from fish farming industry.
Mar 17th, 2017
Big Agriculture Rewards Legislators
Industry wants high capacity wells, gives $220,000 to key committee members.
Mar 15th, 2017
Walker Would End State Property Insurance
Local governments then must buy from private insurers, who donated to Walker
Mar 14th, 2017
Heavy Trucks Cause Most Road Damage
State isn’t enforcing weight limits. Big donors support bigger trucks.
Mar 8th, 2017
GOP Bill Bars Abortions by UW Doctors
UW doctors under contract with Planned Parenthood targeted.
Mar 7th, 2017
Constitutional Convention, No Dems Allowed
State bill says GOP picks all delegates to convention championed by Kochs.
Mar 6th, 2017
$28 Million Spent on 2016 Legislative Races
A new record, 66% more than 2014, huge special interest spending.
Mar 3rd, 2017
Big Ag Wants High Capacity Wells
$152,000 campaign donations, $183,000 lobbying by potato, vegetable growers.
Mar 2nd, 2017
Justice Gableman’s Conflict of Interest
Will speak at GOP fundraiser with right-wing leader helped by his Doe decision.
Mar 1st, 2017
Senators Give Themselves 31% Increase
In non-public meeting they approve 31% raise in their per day expenses.
Feb 27th, 2017
Walker Donors Oppose Fire Safety Proposal
Construction industry gave him $5 million, oppose safety proposal backed by fire fighters.
Feb 24th, 2017
The Legacy of Ed Garvey
A corporate dragon-slayer, the Wisconsin Democrat helped pave the way for Bernie Sanders.
Feb 24th, 2017
For-Profit Colleges Love Walker
They give him $56,000 campaign cash, he wants to kill state watchdog over colleges.
Feb 23rd, 2017
Who Are Donors in Superintendent Race?
Evers backed by unions, Democrats, his opponents by Republicans.
Feb 21st, 2017
Mega Farms Are Big Political Donors
And their high capacity wells are draining rivers and lakes in state.
Feb 15th, 2017
Campaign Clout of Anti-Abortion Groups
They support only Republicans, and want to end abortion coverage for state workers.
Feb 9th, 2017
Tavern League Favors Drunk Driving Bill
Big donor to politicians wants tougher penalties but easy on first-time offenders.
Feb 8th, 2017
GOP Bill Penalizes Sanctuary Cities
Milwaukee and Madison won’t change immigration policies, would be fined.
Feb 7th, 2017
GOP’s Redistricting Lawyers Are Big Donors
Lawyers paid $2.1 million to defend gerrymandering, give $76,000 to politicians.
Feb 6th, 2017
Senators Want 31% Hike In Expenses
Republicans want per diem pay raise, but oppose minimum wage increase for state workers.
Feb 3rd, 2017
How Realtors Association Gains Clout
$10 million in campaign donations, heavy lobbying wins it favored legislation.
Feb 2nd, 2017
Michigan Donors Get State Contract
$42,500 for Walker concealed donors' identities, traced to company getting contract.
Jan 31st, 2017
Kochs, Big Business Back Anti-Union Bill
They spent $24 million on campaigns. Bill targets union construction projects.
Jan 27th, 2017
Kochs Support Food Stamp Crackdown
Walker champions it, got $13 million from Kochs and WMC, who support policy.
Jan 26th, 2017
Evers Leads In Superintendent Race’s Cash
Incumbent has about $117,000, two challengers together raised $36,000.
Jan 19th, 2017
Bill Would Benefit Special Interests
GOP legislators get $325,000 from special interests; would kill state rules.
Jan 16th, 2017
Business Groups Back Pay Hike For Judges
Roggensack wants 16% raise for judges, gets support of special interests.
Jan 14th, 2017
Please Reform the Courts, Judges Ask
54 retired judges urge Supreme Court to require recusal for cases with big donors.
Jan 13th, 2017
GOP Lawmaker Wants More Mining
Tom Tiffany, a favorite of special interest donors, seeks to repeal mining moratorium law.
Jan 12th, 2017
The Pro-Pollution Legislators
Tiffany and Jarchow get big payoffs from special interests, and rural folks get tainted drinking water.
Jan 10th, 2017
Dems Look to Solve Gerrymandering
Federal court struck down state's legislative districts. Hansen offers solution.
Jan 9th, 2017
Sand Mining Project Targets Wetlands
Meteor Timber donates $23,000 to state politicians, wants to destroy 17 acres of forested wetlands.
Jan 5th, 2017
Betsy DeVos Buys Influence Here
Trump’s pick for Education Secretary and her family spent $500,000 on WI candidates.
Jan 3rd, 2017
Nass’s Cheap Shot At UW Course
Legislator’s stance on "whiteness" course puts him in league with white nationalists.
Dec 22nd, 2016
Child Support Tax Exemption Returns
Controversial proposal for the wealthy was traced to donor to Walker, Kleefisch.
Dec 21st, 2016
AG Brad Schimel Seeks Reelection
Attorney General got $1.7 million in special interest funding in 2014 and delivered for them.
Dec 18th, 2016
Big Contributors Seek Factory Farm Permit
Wysocki family of companies, big Walker donors and lobbyists, seek DNR permit.
Dec 12th, 2016
Green Bay Mayor Gets Off Easy
He faced up to 27 months in jail for campaign finance violations, but gets $4,000 fine.
Dec 6th, 2016
WMC, Big Agriculture Pushes to Privatize DNR
They spent more than $47 million on campaigns and DNR becomes passive on pollution.
Dec 5th, 2016
Who Runs the Jobs First Coalition?
It’s spent $1 million on elections, was started by Scott Jensen, mostly targets Democrats.
Dec 2nd, 2016
Supreme Court Limits 4th Amendment Rights?
Decision gives police leeway on home searches; Justice Bradley joins liberals in dissent.
Nov 30th, 2016
Special Interests Spend $9 Million on Legislative Races
Led by Greater Wisconsin Committee, Democratic-leaning groups spent more, 53% of money.
Nov 23rd, 2016
Why Federal Court Overruled State Map
Republicans gerrymandered districts so that whatever the vote, they never lost control.
Nov 22nd, 2016
Five States Vote for Democratic Reforms
Including ranked choice voting (Maine) and credit program to publicly finance candidates (South Dakota).
Nov 17th, 2016
NRA Arms Republicans With $3.6 Million
Walker and 44 legislators (just one Democrat) have gained that in campaign donations.
Nov 16th, 2016
18 Referendums Opposed Citizens United
96 communities in state have now voted to overturn court ruling allowing corporate donations.
Nov 15th, 2016
North Woods for Sale?
Timber industry gives big campaign donations, gets more state forestland to cut.
Nov 14th, 2016
Special Interest Groups Pounding Feingold
Republican-leaning outside groups have almost 6 to 1 advantage in spending.
Nov 4th, 2016
Record Elections Spending by Special Interests
$7.8 million spent so far, with more by Democratic-leaning groups.
Nov 2nd, 2016
Assembly Dems Point Way to Reform
Their Clean Elections Act seeks to fix broken campaign finance law.
Oct 25th, 2016
All the Way With the WMC
Wisconsin Manufacturers honors 65 legislators who followed their dictates on 100% of votes.
Oct 22nd, 2016
Wisconsin Open for Bribery
State Ethics Commission allows GOP legislator to create his own PAC, ignoring “bright line” in the law.
Oct 17th, 2016
Supreme Court Decision a Gift to Walker
Decision not to hear John Doe case a blow to democracy and legal precedent.
Oct 3rd, 2016
Schimel’s Southern Strategy on Voter Rights
His “states rights” argument echoes segregationists like George Wallace, gets rejected.
Aug 23rd, 2016
Top 10 Victories Over Walker
10 policy changes Gov. Walker and Republicans failed to pass in the last year.
Jun 28th, 2016
Pro-Bradley Groups Had 4-to-1 Spending Edge
Secretive outside groups spend four times more on Bradley than those supporting Kloppenburg.
Apr 6th, 2016
Are Conservative Groups Hiding Campaign Spending?
Anti-Kloppenburg ads could be funded by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Club for Growth
Mar 30th, 2016
High Court Likely To Hear Doe Appeal
Scalia's death means Supreme Court's four liberals could accept case, can't be outvoted.
Feb 23rd, 2016
John Doe Foes Fight High Court Appeal
Lawyers for those investigated take steps to block appeal of Doe case to U.S. Supreme Court.
Feb 2nd, 2016
GAB Head Refutes Republican Attacks
Point by point, he refutes lead attacker, GOP state Sen. Leah Vukmir.
Oct 29th, 2015
How GOP Misread Campaign Finance Law
Republicans' proposed changes to law violate -- grossly -- Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling.
Oct 23rd, 2015
$1,000 Per Hour Lobbyists Roam Capitol
WDC analysis finds 47 groups spent at least that lobbying legislators in Madison.
Aug 27th, 2015
Why Prosecutor Should Appeal John Doe Case
State Supreme Court had huge conflict, Schmitz should appeal to U.S. Supreme Court.
Aug 5th, 2015
